One week until Quilt Canada 2017

Are you ready for Quilt Canada 2017?  Whether you are going or not, there are some things you can do to prepare.

Have you downloaded the Quilt Canada app on your phone or ipad?  You won't miss anything if you do that.

Following us on facebook or Instagram?  You will get play by play of the events happening at Quilt Canada.

Most importantly, do come! Celebrating Canada's 150th birthday and having our annual national conference are just too good to be true for any quilter!

We look forward to seeing you in Toronto June 14-17, 2017!

Quilt Canada 2017 Update

In less than two weeks, Toronto ON won't know what hit the city, as thousands of quilters flock to Quilt Canada 2017 to enjoy so many quilting activities and to see old friends and make new ones.

The Board and staff are excited to say that most of our classes have sold out, our lectures have a few openings and our Merchant Mall is full to the brim of vendors waiting to show you their new and exciting quilt products!

Be sure to stop by and see how the Big Quilt Bee is progressing, drop in the CQA/ACC booth and say hi and check out the daily demos on the show floor to learn what our vendors are raving about.

Who could forget the quilts? All the incredible concurrent shows and the National Juried Show are waiting for you to see them and be inspired to make your own awesome quilts!

See you soon!  Be sure to download our app 'Quilt Canada' and follow us on facebook too!

There is always a bigger picture!

CQA/ACC is a non profit organization with the mandate to promote quilting across Canada.
With a board of directors, a slew of volunteers and a few staff, they do a pretty bang up job sharing quilting throughout the nation.

In 2016, a few decided to hatch a plan of making 1,000 quilts for kids in care at Ronald McDonald Houses. A committee was formed and plans began, to start the huge undertaking of the Big Quilt Bee.

Quilters across Canada were asked to make blocks, tops or finished quilts. The goal was to have a final Big Quilt Bee in conjunction with Quilt Canada 2017 in Toronto ON, and finish up the remaining quilts to reach the 1,000 quilts.

Quilters didn't just come on board, they jumped on board with enthusiasm and excitement! Not only did quilts come in, but stories that touched your heart and brought tears to your eyes. Kids, adults, grandmas, all got involved in making quilts.

But there is another side that you may not know about. In order to finish the quilts at the Big Quilt Bee at the national conference, supplies were needed.   Lots of supplies, from sewing machines, to batting, to backing, to thread, irons, cutters and so on.

Here is where the story got interesting. In the business world, competition among brands is a healthy thing. We also knew that we needed these brands to all be in one room in order to make this work.

We needed alot of machines to put in the Big Bee room, from domestic, to sit down long arm to stand up long arm.   We started by asking one brand, Janome. They instantly came on board. Then we moved to Brother Canada and it was a resounding yes. To Handi Quilter, Bernina, Grace Co., Gammill, Husqvarna and Pfaff and the same answer every time. No one refused. All these brands in one room for one cause - to help kids in a time that is stressful, scary and unknown.

It didn't stop there, we needed backing. J.N. Harper came forward with bolts of backing, Riley Blake Designs and International Textiles did the same. WonderFil and Coats & Clark jumped in with thread as did Kawartha Quilting Systems. 
Batting came from Hobbs Batting and Contemporary Sewing Materials. And all the notions like irons, cutting mats, cutters, H.A. Kidd came through on this.

Truly CQA/ACC has the most incredible sponsors ever!

We are currently sitting at 800 completed quilts made and our organizer is banking on 200 to be finished at the Big Quilt Bee at Quilt Canada June 14-17 in Toronto.   Here you will see quilters and brands working alongside each other with one goal. 1,000 quilts for Ronald McDonald Houses in Canada.

Please join us at the conference or on social media to watch as our sponsors and our quilters reach this incredible milestone!

Daily Demos at Quilt Canada 2017

It's hard to believe in a few weeks we will be at Quilt Canada enjoying the lectures, workshops, Big Quilt Bee, giant Merchant Mall and of course the wonderful demos put on by our vendors.

Here is the schedule so you don't miss anything.

Everyone is looking forward to seeing you there!   See you soon!

Quilt Canada is 4 weeks away!

The excitement is mounting as we prepare for Canada's national quilt conference, Quilt Canada 2017, in Toronto June 14-17th!

We have the giant Merchant Mall filled with vendors selling machines, fabric, thread, notions and so much more! Lectures, workshops, quilt shows and snacks!  We are so ready to cut the ribbon and get this quilt party started!
You simply must join us. Many of our workshops are full, so if you want one, hurry up!  Our lectures still have a few openings so be sure to check out the amazing offerings of incredible teachers!

Did you download our app?  How cool is this, go to your phone or ipad, and download in your app store 'Quilt Canada' and you will be right on top of things!

One of the coolest evening events ever is a terrific lecture by the one and only Kathy Wylie and then a showing of your quilts!  How fun is that?  There are some, but not many tickets left, so please don't wait too long, we want to see your quilt! 

Oh, in case you were wondering, the Big Quilt Bee is at 700 finished quilts! 300 more to go to reach our goal of 1,000 quilts for kids in care at Ronald McDonald Houses!  Yep, quilters are truly the best!

Ok, stop reading and go see what you want to do at Quilt Canada!  A lecture, a workshop, an NJS tour, volunteering? We have it all! 

Demo Booth at Quilt Canada 2017

The Demo Booth for Quilt Canada 2017 is up!  What an exciting line up of fun and interesting demonstrations for you to attend, and the best part is, it is all free! Grab a cup of java and sit down and prepare to be entertained and educated! 

Time	Wed 14th		Thurs 15th
10am			Distinctive Sewing Supplies: Sew Yourself a capsule Wardrobe
11am	Distinctive Sewing Supplies: Sew Yourself a capsule Wardrobe		Meerkat Trading: The Bolt and the Beautiful - the Shweshwe Saga
12 noon	Schmetz Needles by Rhonda Pierce Director of Marketing and Education Schmetz		Sew Fancy: Needles, Needles & more Needles
1pm	Meerkat Trading: The Bolt and the Beautiful - the Shweshwe Saga		Cathy McClean: A New Innovation in Rotary Cutting (TrueCut)
2pm	Country Concessions: The Battle of the Stars
3pm	Cobwebs & Caviar: Joni Newman presents Zippy Zippers + other techniques for finishing bags		Country Concessions: The Battle of the Stars
4pm	Sew Fancy: Panel Play		Cobwebs & Caviar: Joni Newman: Using Zentangles in Quilts

_______________________________________________________________________________

Time	Fri 16th		Sat 17th
10am	Cobwebs & Caviar: Joni Newman: Stained Glass Quilting		Meerkat Trading: The Bolt and the Beautiful - the Shweshwe Saga
11am			Country Concessions: The Battle of the Stars
12 noon	Cathy McClean: Applique 101 with Heat n Bond		Sew Fancy : Let's start stitching sashiko
1pm	Country Concessions: The Battle of the Stars		Cathy McClean: Its more than just Batting
2pm	Meerkat Trading: The Bolt and the Beautiful - the Shweshwe Saga		Distinctive Sewing Supplies: Sew Yourself a capsule Wardrobe
3pm	Sew Fancy: Alma's Tool School
4pm	Distinctive Sewing Supplies: Sew Yourself a capsule Wardrobe

Quilt Canada 2017 Mobile App

CQA/ACC is proud to present a mobile app for Quilt Canada 2017! We have created a tutorial to help you through the steps of downloading it.

It has everything a show guide would have in it, but better!  (Don't worry we are printing show guides, but they simply aren't able to contain all the information we crammed into our mobile app in an easy, user friendly way) Here are some of the perks to having a mobile app:

• Everything is at your fingertips.
• There is a daily schedule and times of every show and event happening.
• You can get instant notifications, for door prize winners, demo schedules, last minute changes, etc.
• The activity stream is for you to see what everyone else is doing at Quilt Canada and for you to add in your comments and pics!
• There is a map of the Merchant Mall with all of the vendors hilited at the touch of your finger.
• List of all vendors, workshops, speakers, and sponsors!
• You can connect and make new friends on the app.

One of the best parts about it, is if you are unable to go, you can download the app and look at all the quilts on the activity stream so you can see the talent and creativity of Canadian quilters!

Tutorial:

Go to your App Store on your device, or may be called Google Play as well.

Click on it and hit the search button at the bottom, looks like a magnifying glass. Some devices the search button may be at the top.

Once you click on that, you will get your keyboard and a bar at the top, type in 'Quilt Canada'.

You will see a search engine bring up Quilt Canada 2017. Click on that. 

Click on the little cloud with the arrow to download the app. Other devices may just 'install'.

Our app works on iPad. While searching for the app on your iPad, make sure to switch to "iPhone only" mode in the App Store as shown on the screenshots below

Once it finishes downloading, it will say 'Open'. Click on that and it will take you right into the app. Or on some devices it may just be in your app list, so just select Quilt Canada.

When you are done playing in the app, you will always be able to go back by finding the icon on your desktop or front of your device, as shown below. Or on some devices it may just be in your app list, so just select Quilt Canada.

When you get into the app, you can see the menu with all the different options. You can create a profile so you can add pics and comments, but you don't have to in order to use the app.

There is a daily schedule so you can see what events are on that day, what time shows open and close at and much more. 

All our speakers and their topics are covered too!

Don't wait!  Download the app today!  Let us show YOU what is happening at Quilt Canada 2017 this June 14-17th!

Thank you to Canadian Quilt Guilds for their sponsorship!

It is always incredible to see the generousity of Canadian Quilt Guilds when CQA/ACC asks for their support.  We are seeing it in the Big Quilt Bee, when quilters across Canada are making blocks, tops and quilts for kids in care at Ronald McDonald Houses.

But we also see it from a financial point of view when guilds are asked to help sponsor Quilt Canada. It is this generousity that continues to humble the Board of Directors, staff and volunteers that help put on the conference. We know how hard guilds work to fundraise and please know your donation is very much appreciated to help promote quilting in Canada through our annual conference.

The guilds below have sponsored activities at Quilt Canada 2017, please give them a heartfelt thank you!

Black Gold Quilt Patch Guild

Brant Heritage Quilters Guild

Mahone Bay Quilt Guild

Busy Hands Quilt Guild

Fraser Valley Quilter's Guild

London Friendship Quilters Guild

Sunshine Coast Quilters Guild

Island Quilters' Guild

Northern Lights Quilt Guild

Moraine Quilt Guild

Dufferin Piecemakers Quilting Guild

Bue Mountain

Timberlane Quilting Guild

Chateauguay  no info

Nanaimo Quilters Guild

Tofield Country Quilters

Fraser Quilter's Guild

Near North Quilters' Guild

Vermilion Quilters

Lethbridge Centennial Quilters Guild

Manitoba Prairie Quilters

Prince George Quilters Guild

Kanata Quilt Guild

Piecemakers Guild of Calgary

Cornwall Quilt Guild

Crocus Quilters

Central Alberta Quilters Guild

Orillia quilters guild

Northern Lights Quilters Guil

Orchard Valley Quilters Guild

Happy Quilters

Foggy Bay Quilt Guild

Kootenay Quilters Day Guild

Northshore Pins and Needles Quilt and Stitchery Guild

Region of York Quilters Guild

Lillooet Quilters Guild

Mississauga Quilters Guild

Quilters Guild of Renfrew and Area

Castlegar Quilters

Kempenfelt Quilters Guild

Lions Gate Quilters Guild

Ottawa Valley Quilters Guild

Abbotsford QG

The Quilted Mouse

Victoria Quilters' Guild

Georgian Quilters

Huron Perth QG

Niagara Heritage Quilters Guild

The Highland Quilt Guild

Penticton Quilters Guild

Oxford Quilters Guild

Pembroke Log Cabin Quilt Guild

Langley Quilters' Guild

Chilliwack Quilters Guild

Guilde Acadienne de Clare

New Millenium Quilters

Northern Piecemakers Quilt Guild

Arkeley Area Quilt Guild

Saskatoon Quilters' Guild Inc

Gwillimbury Quilt Guild

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!

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.

Elaine Quehl is teaching at Quilt Canada 2017

Elaine Quehl is CQA/ACC's Teacher of the Year in 2015. Her students love her, her quilts are incredible and we are thrilled to bring her to Toronto ON in June to teach at Quilt Canada 2017!

Elaine sat down with us for a few minutes and gave us the opportunity to find out more about her and see why you simply must take a class with her!

Curtain Call

Tell us a bit about when you quilt, or what motivates you to do what you do.

These days I design quilts in the late autumn and through the winter, when I'm not on the road teaching. I am motivated by visual experiences, which have usually been captured in my photographs. So far I have focused on nature, predominantly botanicals. Usually it is an image of something I can't get out of my mind.

Encore

Tell us about the classes you teach.

Most people may not know that I love to fly by the seat of my pants. For my botanical quilts I usually create a detailed pattern, but there are often times when I just start cutting and piecing fabric free-hand without a ruler. These designs are usually pretty open-ended. In "Improv Curves With a Little Planning" my aim is to let you have a little more control over an improv design. In my samples, I've used shapes, lines and colours inspired by a photograph I took at a slot canyon, known as Antelope Canyon, in Arizona. You will be able to draw out a very simple rudimentary design with some basic lines, and then figure out a plan for how to piece it in a free-form way. It is still fairly open-ended, but I'm going to show you how to insert pieces in a simple way for a more complex design.

Tell us something you are most proud of.

I  am most proud that I am going into my 10th year of being a full-time artist, teacher, dyer, and designer. I was able to leave the 9-5 grind behind and do what I love. Teaching is my biggest focus.


What is your favourite food?

Espresso (not a food but very important to me), dark chocolate, fruit, yogurt, granola. These are things I have every day that I can't live without.

Elaine puts her students right at ease whether they are beginner or advanced quilters. Her methods are simple and students easily grasp the new skills learned in the workshops. Read on to see what she is teaching in Toronto ON at Quilt Canada!

402 - Improv Curves With a Little Planning (Janome)
One Full Day Workshop
Saturday, June 17, 2017, 08:30 - 16:00
Cost: $145.00

Come with a photograph that features colours that inspire you, and bring fabrics in those colours. Bring a notebook, pencil and eraser to sketch some rough designs. You will learn to cut curves free-hand using a rotary cutter and mat (no ruler!). See how easy it is to sew these curves together into an improv design. You will learn how to piece in a few design elements inspired by your photograph and rough sketches.

For the Improv Curves class, Elaine sent along some pictures to describe the class. 

The picture below is the  inspirational photo of a slot canyon that was the jumping off point for creating the curved designs. 

This second photo is a sample for the class. 

Third photo is a another interpretation. 

Please go here to get more details on the other workshops Elaine is teaching!

102 - Collage Tree
One Full Day Workshop
Wednesday, June 14, 2017, 08:30 - 16:00
Cost: $145.00
Pattern & Photo Fee: $12.00 + HST

Is there anyone who doesn’t love a gnarled and mature tree with textured bark? Learn how I create my collage trees, while using one of my patterns and a photo as your reference (pattern & photo $12.00 + HST). Learn to see value and represent depth. Please visit the Tree Gallery of my website at www.elainequehl.com/trees.html. Pattern choices are Standing Still, Branching Out, or Vagabond Song

SUPPLY LIST FOR 102 - COLLAGE TREE

202 - In Full Bloom
One Full Day Workshop
Thursday, June 15, 2017, 08:30 - 16:00
Cost: $145.00

In this one-day class the instructor will explain how she turns her close-up floral photographs into a pattern suitable for creating a fused wall quilt. Using one of the patterns developed by the teacher, students will learn how to construct a stunning quilt with depth and dimension. Two flower patterns are available: 1) Sunkissed Poppy (can be made in red or blue), and 2) Peony. Pattern and kit of hand-dyed fabrics available for a cost of $92.00 plus HST (optional). Kit does not include supplies below.

SUPPLY LIST FOR 202 - IN FULL BLOOM

302 - Sketch and Colour (Janome)
One Full Day Workshop
Friday, June 16, 2017, 08:30 - 16:00
Cost: $145.00
Kit Fee: $20 plus HST

Add a look of hand-sketching to your quilt top by “sketching” a scene or elements from a photo using a sewing machine. No you don’t need to know how to draw! Instructor will provide several designs to “sketch” from based on her own photographs.

Kit includes fabric, stabilizer, printed image, a Topstitch needle and a spool of thread that coordinates with your design. Cost of kit is $20 plus HST. Prismacolor Artist Pencils will be available in class so you can add shading and hi-lights to your design.

Supply List: Please bring a basic sewing kit that includes scissors/thread snips and a seam ripper. You will also need to bring a spool of neutral-coloured thread (grey or taupe are good choices) in cotton or polyester.

Don't wait too long to register, you don't want to be disappointed.

Quilt Canada Teacher - Coreen Zerr

Each year we choose carefully our teachers for our national conference, Quilt Canada. This year was extra special, as it is our 150th birthday. So it was determined that the line up of instructors to teach you had to be phenomenal.   You will not be disappointed!

Coreen Zerr, is one of our instructors. This quilter knows thread inside and out, and how she transforms her quilts by thread is simply unbelievable. Until you have taken a class with Coreen, you will have no idea of the power of thread on a quilt! 

A favourite of her students is Correen's Pet Pourri workshop.

Trust me when I say she will make your furry friend come to life!

101 - PetPourri (Janome)
One Full Day Workshop
Wednesday, June 14, 2017, 08:30 - 16:00
Cost: $145.00

A workshop on how to create your favourite critter/pet from a photograph. Learn how to work with value and thread play, as well as trapunto to enhance the expressions of any animal you choose.

SUPPLY LIST FOR 101 - PETPOURRI

If you have a pet, love animals or just can't stop looking at these adorable quilts, this workshop is for you!   Sign up here.

This workshops is an easy way to  learn how to capture shading and expression of your favourite furry friend.

Don't delay, this is the most adorable class Quilt Canada has ever offered!

Gail Mitchell has a class for you at Quilt Canada 2017!

You were promised an incredible line up of teachers! Here is one that brings a smile to your face with the fun and unique classes she is teaching! Gail has captivated everyone with her useful yet gorgeous projects she can create from quilting! The best part is these workshops can be a delight for the beginner quilter! Fast and fun, and not to mention practical!  Wherever Gail goes these classes sell out!

It was so nice to be able to catch up with Gail and have a chat so she could share a bit more about herself with you. Read on to get the scoop!

Tell us a bit about your quilting habits.

I have been sewing for a long time.  And actually, I sew a bit almost every day.   I always have a few projects on the go.  Usually some small projects and one big project.   For small projects, the first time I make it, I call it a prototype.  And just in case it's the only one I make, I use my nicest stash fabric. Its not unusual for me to make the same small project several times.  I love finding shortcuts or better ways to achieve the same or better result.    I love how simple details like top stitching can really make a small project look so professional.    

This quilt (below) to be one of my all time favorite quilts that I made start to finish.  It's called Rainbow Lollipops by "Don't Look Now".     I made it for my youngest grand-daughter.    It's a twin size quilt, and on the sides that hang down, there are cute cats in the garden.  It features an orange cat, just like the one she has.    I made this "quilt as you go style" and machine quilted it on my domestic.   It just makes me smile.

Tell us about a couple of your workshops.

The Wallet Class is such a rewarding class, both for me and the students. It has such broad appeal. The wallet is done in a lot of small but easy steps.  We get it all done in a day.  Participants are so surprised at how easy it is to install the wallet clasp and how it just adds a professional look and function to the wallet.  At the end of the workshop day, participants are wowed at their project. They feel so accomplished.  They immediately want to go home and make another for a gift. As part of the class, I show how to make a perfectly fitted gift box for your wallet. it's made out of scrapbook paper. Everyone is amazed, at how easy it is. They smile. I smile.

The Secret Garden bag is just uber cute.  I initially developed this project for a little girl who was going to start school.   She was to take diabetic supplies with her every day. I wanted a girly bag with her name on it, but in a understated way.  She absolutely loved it.  It's a small project, but if you have children in your life, you will love finding ways to incorporate a secret name or message in your project. Also, if you just want to make the cute posies on a pencil case, you can do that too.    And just so you know, it's hard to make just one.  See my latest batch of pencil cases using the posies. 

 

Tell us something you are most proud of.

I'm really pleased that I can do meaningful volunteer work, doing something I like to do.   For example, I sew/piece quilt tops for a senior ladies hand quilting group. For  various reasons, these senior ladies don't have the ability to piece/sew any more. But they love to socialize while hand quilting these quilts.  When completed, they are used as an annual fund raiser for their church programs.  
After doing this for a dozen years, I came to understand what kind of quilt, both raises a lot of money in a raffle, and also served the needs of the senior ladies.  I complied all this information into an article titled "The Business of a Raffle Quilt" that was published by McCall's Quilting Magazine a few of years ago.   I had many people who said the article was spot on and were pleased that it was published.

  

And a final tidbit.   I have had a blog for a number of years.   It started out to be about sewing, my grandkids and a bit of cooking.    Now it is mostly post about sewing projects and if I can help explain something that I have learned, I will post about it in a tutorial.  In 2009, I did a picture tutorial of how I hem jeans.   Well, it is the single most read post on my blog and I love the comments that I've received from all over the world.   A link to the post is here.  

Gail is definitely teaching some 'must take' classes. There is something so satisfying about taking a class and having something you can use when you walk out the door!  Don't wait too long to register, you do not want to miss her classes!

107 - Secret Garden (Brother)
One Full Day Workshop
Wednesday, June 14, 2017, 08:30 - 16:00
Cost: $135.00
Kit Fee: $10.00

Learn to use your free motion quilting skills in a different way. Embellish your small projects using contrasting thread. Embed a secret message for a fun surprise. Your whimsical little flowers will have a colorful bloom and your stitching will highlight the bloom and define the stems and leaves. Embed a hidden message or name in the stitched grass for a fun surprise. Kit includes fabric, die cut fusible flowers, zipper, batting, design and pattern notes.!

SUPPLY LIST 107 - SECRET GARDEN

207 - Batik Smart Wallet (Brother)
One Full Day Workshop
Thursday, June 15, 2017, 08:30 - 16:00
Cost: $135.00
Kit Fee: $37.00

This 6-hour workshop will lead participants through the steps to create this beautiful wallet. This wallet includes a zippered pocket, two currency size pockets and 12 credit card slots and a versatile 1” slot that will hold most smartphones or a pair of glasses. It has a useful wristlet strap. This project is constructed in three parts before the final assembly is complete. Many short-cuts and design details will be learned and participants will leave with their project completed. This Canadian designed wallet is specially designed for women who carry a smartphone in addition to other usual wallet items.

Participants will purchase a prepared kit of batik fabrics, interfacing, a zipper, purse hardware, and the pattern. The kit will have all the pieces cut and the pieces that require the interfacing, will be fused. With the prepared kits, participants will be able to begin the sewing construction immediately enabling them to finish their project in the class.

Participants will be using the straight stitch on their sewing machines, and some short seams will be thick. Participants should know how to use a rotary cutter and mat and should also be able to sew 1/8” top-stitching with the aid of one of the presser feet on their sewing machine.

SUPPLY LIST FOR 207 - BATIK SMART WALLET

307 - Oh Canada Quilt (Brother)
One Full Day Workshop
Friday, June 16, 2017, 08:30 - 16:00
Cost: $135.00
KIt Fee: $8.00

This is a fun modern Canadian patriotic quilt. Make this quilt to commemorate Canada's 150th celebrations. Won't you be the envy of your neighbours when you hang this over your railing on July 1st.

Each of the 10 flag blocks has 6 colored fabrics of same color value and a white background for the maple leaf in the center of the block. In the first part of this class, we will cut our fabrics into flag kits followed by a kit exchange. Next, we will construct the first block. You will not get all 10 blocks done on the class day but you will have a very good start. You will be able to finish at home, so no need to bring the batting, backing or binding to the class, unless you are a cracker jack sewer!

You will be assigned/responsible for 1 color (6 fabrics in the same value. ie: all mediums). You will buy one half meter (20") of each of 6 fabrics of the same color. It's good to have a variety of textures such as stripes, dots, floral and plain fabric in your color group. Your group of 6 fabrics will make kits for 10 flags of the same color - one kit for you and 9 to exchange. If more than 10 participate, we will exchange using a Draft exchange. Just like the NHL. It's fun.

Quilt size: 48" x 60"

SUPPLY LIST FOR 307 - OH CANADA QUILT

407 - Domesticated Feathers (Brother)
One Full Day Workshop
Saturday, June 17, 2017, 08:30 - 16:00
Cost: $135.00

Do you love the idea of doing your own free motion quilting of your small projects on your own domestic sewing machine? This class will help you step up your current Free Motion Quilting Skills. If you are a confident stippler, this class might be right for you. The class will lead you through stitching two types of free-form feathers as well as some complementary designs such as swirls and pebbles.

SUPPLY LIST FOR 407 - DOMESTICATED FEATHERS