Joy Of Quilting

getting ready for quilt club...

2012-02-29T11:20:00.001-08:00

Hi Everyone

Well it is a few days before club and I got inspired, yah! There are so many new collections out right now, hard to choose one. I have a fun project that I have started, but of course it has to be a surprise for you all so all you get is a sneak peak at the fabric. I'm going to make this quilt in two colour ways and two sizes just to show the versatility.

group 1 great colours for the kids in us all!

have I ever mentioned how much I LOVE red and green....ahh kind of springy!

Well that's all for now, stay tuned to see this little charmer! Try to stay dry and warm today. Don't forget the Cloth Castle has 29% off everything regular priced today only, open late until 8pm. Happy Leap Year!

Sewing Show Frenzy has begun

2012-02-28T08:52:00.000-08:00

Hi everyone

Where has February gone? It seems like the days are just slipping by waaaay to fast! Driving into work this morning you could see the little signs of spring though and personally I can't wait. I love the spring and fall. My favorite holiday has always been Easter, I just love that time of year.

I have been busy getting ready for the Sewing Show here in Victoria, it always creeps up on me... oh ok I'll be honest I procrastinate until the last minute! But it always gets done and we always have great samples. I also have to get ready for clubs this week so it is time to burn the midnight oil!

Hope you are all keeping healthy and happy.

A New Year....

2012-01-25T21:21:00.000-08:00

Hi Everyone

How has the start of the New Year been for you? For me things started a little rough. Jan 2, 2012 my car was rear ended, no injuries but still not a way to start things off. The hits just kept on coming because my car is old, so you can guess where this is going... ICBC deemed that my car was beyond repair. So now what? After taking some time to think things through I opted to find a new car.

After a call to my buddy Cindy, she was on the move and found me a great car. So today I brought home my new car! Have you ever been to the Hyundai dealership in Victoria? What a great group, everyone was so helpful and just made you so comfortable. Great car, great value and great experience, if you need a car go and see Leon or Devon. Both guys were so helpful, made my car buying experience so wonderful and I would recommend them to anyone. So here she is, my new Tango Red Hyundai Accent, which my sister has named Mac. The name came about from a Fleetwood Mac album called Tango In The Night! We love all music so only fitting.

I'm making a declaration. Since it is Chinese New Year, I call a Do over and Happy New Year to me and all of you! So here's a little Fleetwood Mac and a start to a New Year.

The Stockings were hung with care...

2011-12-22T17:00:00.000-08:00

No but the comfy pants are all done!
Aren't they so cute! They are so easy to make too. If you have a comfy pant pattern just adapt the bottom hem edge. If you would like the cuff to be about 4" I cut the piece 9" so the cuff folds right up inside, use 1/4" seam to sew, then just stitch in the ditch of the hem to hold the cuff in place. The more fun the fabric the better. Just like pillowcases are fun and a great gift so are custom comfy pants. I have to thank Rosemary (one of my students) for the show and tell and inspiration, she is the one who gave me this idea and I went to town! Oh no, I think I have to buy a new serger now too!

Hi Everyone

Well how is the Christmas rush for you? All done? I can say that as of today that I'm all done. Other than last year when we were in Mexico, I usually have to sew well into the midnight hours on Christmas Eve. This year is actually; dare I say it, relaxing!
My sister and I had dinner with a few friends the other night, at the last minute we had the idea to make little ornaments for everyone. You know the drill... it won't take long to make them! Oh ya sure.... a day later we finally had enough for the gang, good thing my sister was off the next day to keep stitching these little babies out on the embroidery machine.

My sister also made these cute little stitch markers for knitting. So cute.

Look at this special gift I was given. I just can't believe it. A white feather tree. My good friend Cindy knew how much I wanted one and gifted me with one for Christmas. I still can't believe I will treasure it always.

Well everyone I hope you all have a very Merry Christmas and many blessings in the New Year.

Ahh..... December is here!

2011-12-05T20:15:00.000-08:00

Hi Everyone

     It has been way to long since a post, but finally I feel like I can breath a little. This past month has been a blur of activity! Between classes, store events and clubs the month just flew by. Tomorrow is my last quilt club for the year and then I can get busy on my Christmas projects, is there anyone like me that works better (faster) under pressure?
     One of the store activities we did was our first ever Quilt Auction. We raised over $1200 for our local food bank! It was a really fun event and I do believe a new yearly event.
     My Christmas Tea was a great weekend. I taught the class 3 times and each class was more fun than the next, everyone did really well and just about got their projects done. Here are a few photos of the runners in the works.

The pattern for this runner is Easy Elegance from Designs to Share with you.

A little cake with our quilting fun!

Vandy visiting Shannon

The Sunday Girls at lunch. Quilting and friends, a perfect day.

Friday Duncan Girls


And you know your in when you have the official Tattoo!

Well I've baked the cookies for our Christmas club, now I just have to put together a few more patterns and then that's it for a few weeks! Have you seen the I Love Snow Flannel from Henry Glass? Too cute, I designed a Log Cabin quilt using the panel for the center, came out really cute. Here is a sneak peak, if you are a quilt clubber see you tomorrow!

Take care,

Christmas Tea and Mayne Island quilting

2011-11-11T09:56:00.000-08:00

Hi Everyone

My goodness I have been busy. I have been getting ready for my Christmas Tea class. This is always a fun day, we get together and basically eat and quilt! It is great day and I really look forward to it. This Christmas we are doing the Easy Elegance by Designs to Share with You.


I had a fun time stepping out of my box and trying different fabric. I love this new colour way!


and a more traditional colour way.

This past week I was also invited to Mayne Island to teach a class with their guild. What a great day we had, I love Mayne Island the charm of the Island is great. We made the X-Blocks quilt. There were so many different combinations and they are all going to be great. Can't wait to see them finished! I have a few shots of the works in progress.

This......


.... to this! Not a great colour shot, sorry about that.

As you can see there was so many great colour selections, if you haven't tried the X-blocks technique, it is really easy and as shown very effective in any colour combo!

Take care everyone,

Happy Halloween

2011-10-26T19:12:00.000-07:00

Hi Everyone

Well it is almost Halloween, can you believe it? Where has the time gone? This year is just flying by! I know you have probably already realized it but there is less than 2 months until Christmas. I really need about 12 more hours a day, oh who am I kidding I would still be behind!

I have been getting ready for my quilt club, working on a Christmas project (all you clubbers will just have to wait!). In between working, my sister and I decided to try one of her new embroidery designs. It is so cute I wish I had time to make more. The start to my sweet little guy.... what will he look like?


Isn't he just soooo cute! As you can see there are two little buttonholes that you slide a lollipop through. I just love these little projects. This is from Embroidery Library. Like I said I wish I had time to make more.

Happy Halloween!

It's Pumpkin time!

2011-10-17T20:53:00.000-07:00

Hi Everyone,

I love this time year and with the incredible fall weather we have had you just have to get out and enjoy the sun. Mom, sister and I went out yesterday and visited the "punkin" patch. In our family we don't have any little kids but we enjoy going and picking our pumpkins and also getting all the fresh veggies at the farms.

On quilting front, most of my projects are for clubs so I can't show them to you right now. Last month I used the 60 degree triangle ruler form Creative Grid. I made this great quilt using the Winterberry Line from Whimsical. I love how the hexagon layout worked out and it has been a long time since I played with such a great primitive line.

I have really been enjoying knitting as well. I took the Rae scarf class at the store from Rebecca. I have really enjoyed learning a little more ans I always relax when I'm knitting so I have really enjoyed the scarf. This picture is the pattern cover fro Jane Richmond.... not mine!

Well better get back to my November club project, have a great week!

Christmas Stitchery

2011-10-12T19:03:00.000-07:00

Hi Everyone

What a great fall we are having. There have been rainy days but when the sun is shining you can't help but be in a good mood!
I have a quick blog today, my sister found this great blog. This blog has a great free stitchery pattern, just in time to start and get it done for Christmas.

Christmas Sampler

www.red-brolly.com

Have a great week!

fun day of knitting

2011-10-03T21:52:00.000-07:00

Hi Everyone,

What a great day we had yesterday. A group of around 20 of us got together and knit about 50 purple baby hats. Joyce from quilt club got us started with her 7 hats donated at Saturday Creative Sewing Club and then we added to it. What a wonderful day, everyone had so much fun and to see all those hats piling up, I was just thrilled.

If you don't know about this wonderful organization visit the link below; in short knit purple baby hats from now until the end of Oct. Then send them to your local group and the hats are given out in November to all new babes, the purple hats are to make awareness for Shaken baby Syndrome. http://clickforbabies.org

I just want to say Thank you to everyone who came out and knit yesterday, it was great meeting new friends and just have a fun day of knitting. If there are any local knitters feel free to drop off your hats at The Cloth Castle, 786 Goldstream Ave. I will make sure your hats get delivered!


Rogue Quilter concentrating on Knitting

Zita thought my sister could use a new hat....she made her a purple beret! You can just see her in the left corner, what a riot we all had a good laugh.

As you can see there was fun, laughter and knitting. What can we make next? Have a great week.

Fall is here and knitting fun!

2011-09-19T18:39:00.000-07:00

Hi Everyone

Can you believe that the middle of September has come and gone? Time is moving to quickly. I had a great summer. Spent a fair amount of time sewing but also taking it easy too.
We spent a weekend up at Mt. Washington, what a great spot. We have friends that have a condo there and they generously lent it to us. We over looked the chair lifts and endless nature. What a great weekend.....hmmm when can I go back!


View from the condo.

my family....brother (Brad), sister (Miriam) and Mom (Margot)

This summer has also been an great year for Blackberries so my sister, brother and I have picking as many as we can get. Our house is surrounded by them, we have been lucky. I have made a couple of apple crisps with blackberries, yum!

We started quilt club last week. It was so great to see everyone, it is like the first day of school. My main feature was working with laminate fabrics. They are so much fun to sew with. We also had Rebecca, our new knitting teacher, came by and she did a show and tell of her new classes. All of her projects are just beautiful and look great. Rebecca used patterns that are great for all skill levels, knitting is so social and it is just fun to get together with a group and learn to knit. While at the store Rebecca also introduced us to an organization called Click for Babies. This organization knits purple hats and then they give them out in the month of November to all new babies, to make awareness for Shaken baby Syndrome. I have included the link below the photo if you would like more info. This is a great way use up some yarn and knit for a great cause.

CLICK FOR BABIES

Join us at The Cloth Castle Oct. 2 for a knit day.

Miriam (my sister) has organized a day to get together, meet new friends and have fun.

Knit or crochet your purple baby hats and be a part of a great cause!

Sunday, October 2 12-3pm

Just let the store know if you are coming so we know space needs. 250-478-2112

Well I better get back to my sewing, next club is coming up fast! Happy fall everyone.

Have you heard.....?

2011-09-01T20:21:00.000-07:00

That there is a quilt show this weekend?

A friend of mine is having a quilt show outside in her gorgeous yard. Mavis and her family run a Bed and Breakfast, they also have a beautiful yard too. Sounds like a great way to spend a couple hours on Saturday afternoon.

Here are the details from Mavis:

You are invited to browse quilts in an outdoor rural setting, some of which will be for sale.

Location:

Dayspring Quilt Studio (Mavis Reynolds)

Dayspring Farm B&B

370 Hector Road

Victoria, BC V9E 2C3

(off Interurban across from Camosun College)

Date:

Sat. Sept 3rd

Time:

3-5 pm

Hope to see you there! Please spread the word.

Have a great long weekend,

Show and Tell part 2

2011-08-24T18:44:00.000-07:00

Hi Everyone

Well lets see if we can do this today.


This quilt is by my coworker Pauline. Pauline started with leftover Stack'n Whack blocks and her stash of silks.


This quilt belongs to Vandy. Once day we were looking at her quilt and were thinking of what she could do to add some pizazz, Vandy has a beautiful selection of vintage pins from family members so she added those to the open areas. I love it, really beautiful.


This wallhanging is my sister's (aka the rogue quilter), she hand stitched the dragon in the center and then framed it with template crazy patch blocks.


This quilt was made from a great selection of Oriental prints and tones.


This little hen is amazing, everywhere you look there is something else to see. This was made by Doris as well as the stocking below.


This is my sister's Dr. Seuss crazy patch. My sister loves this fabric line and this was her first quilt made by herself!


This is my crazy patch... Wool crazy. I loved making this project and will probably do another. I would like to do another with more hand stitches.

I made this from a paper pieced block and the new Whimsical line called Winterberry.


This was a great wallhanging made from Silk ties, each block also had one shape that had a tie shape.


Memories of Paris, several techniques were used to create this piece.


Pauline made this from old photos from her Dad's trip to Indonesia.

Well I hope you enjoyed the show and tell and also inspires you to try crazy patch for yourself.

Natasha

Quilt Challenge Show and Tell

2011-08-23T20:18:00.000-07:00

Hi Everyone

Well it is another end to the Quilt Challenge at The Cloth Castle, there were so many great quilts and I thought I would share the quilts with you. The challenge this year was crazy patch.


This quilt won Best in Show

Sorry everyone but it seems Blogger isn't in a good mood today. I will have to the rest of show and tell tomorrow. Sorry. Technology is great.... when it works!

Getting ready for quilt show this weekend

2011-08-16T19:56:00.000-07:00

Hi Everyone

How is it possible that it is already the middle of August? Where is the summer going? Have you noticed the evenings are starting to get that little nip of fall.

I have been working really hard on getting my samples for my fall classes done, they are coming along great. I did take one break and made a prototype of a Christmas ball I would like to make for Christmas gifts. It turned out pretty good, there was over 100,000 stitches so it took awhile to stitch out on the machine. Hmmm... do I really want to make these as gifts? Maybe I better get the smaller size!

Free standing lace Christmas Ball. Stitched with Sulky Metallic Thread on Husqvarna Designer Ruby.

I hope to see all the locals this weekend at the Quilt Show at The Cloth Castle. See you soon and enjoy these last few weeks of summer!

a great long weekend...

2011-08-02T14:54:00.000-07:00

Hi Everyone

What a great weekend we had in Victoria, great sun, finally warm weather and fun with family and friends! It can't get better than that.

Saturday my mom, brother and I went to Salt Spring Island, we encountered a few delays along the way but once we arrived it was great. On Saturdays they have a great market over there, the colours and smells are so inviting you can't help but get drawn in. Take a look....

Who can resist these little ladies all in a row!

On Monday in Canada we have a Holiday so a few of my quilting buddies, new and old got together and had a quilting bee! We sewed from noon till 9pm! I had a lot of fun and really accomplished a lot. I have been working on my samples for my fall classes and they are coming along great. Have any of you used the Twister and Lil Twister ruler? It so much fun, I love this technique! The Lil Twister uses charm pack (5" squares) size squares to start with and the Twister uses Layer Cake size (10" squares), great fun you really need to try this.


This is the smaller of the two and makes a little table mat.


And this is a lap size quilt. For sample size it is great, but this technique is so easy you can easily expand the finished size. How did my toes get in there..... sorry!

Well you can see we were hard at work and had so much fun, the others girls got a lot done too.....well most of them anyway!

Have a great week!

Summer Sewing

2011-07-29T09:18:00.000-07:00

Hi Everyone

I have been off for almost the last week and having a great time. Since the weather in Sooke can change in a blink if an eye, it has been great quilting weather.

I have finished putting together my Hole in One Quilt, well lets say the top without borders is done. Isn't that considered done?!

I also got brave and cut into my stash of Scandinavian Christmas fabric. I bought the fat quarter bundle at Quilt Market this spring, the shipment won't be in stock at the store for a few more weeks, the pattern I decided on had to be enough that I could finish the project. So... pinwheels it is and I love it. Whenever I can use my embroidery machine too I'm a happy camper!

I have also been working on my Crazy Quilt Challenge Quilts, but I can't show you those. They are a surprise for the quilt show Aug, 20! Hope those that are in the area are planning to attend, there are talented people out there!

Have a great weekend, Natasha

It's the big day.... Who's the big winner?

2011-07-22T07:27:00.000-07:00

Hi Everyone

I had to get up early I couldn't sleep last night I was so excited. All I could think of was who is going to win! So buy random number.... drum roll please......

The winner is Jodie this is her comment:

Congratulations!

Jodie Biesenthal said...: Is this how I enter?! hope so! Miriam told me to :D Hi Natasha!! -Jodie

I would just like to thank you all for entering, this has been a lot of fun. Also a big hand to Making Memories for donating such a great prize!

I love my Slice and alot of you would too, get your local quilt shops to take a look they are a great tool!

Happy quilting, Natasha

A great class

2011-07-18T15:42:00.000-07:00

Hi Everyone

Well I hope you all had a great weekend, I sure did. I took a class at the store and had so much fun! I took the Hole in One class with Bettye Shepard, my sister and friend Cindy also came along. Poor Bettye the three of us are trouble! Bettye got us in line in no time and we were off learning a beginner project of Stack'n'Whack. Have you done Stack'nWhack before? I have never had an interest until this quilt came along, it was just 4 patch blocks but it still gives you a great kaleidoscope effect, great class and fun too. The first pic is what my fabric looked like before I cut it.


It was hard to decide which fabric I was going to use, but thought this might be OK.

So after a lesson on repeats we started cutting and making little piles of repeating fabric.


And then we started recreating our blocks and sew them back together.

These are a few of my blocks:

All of my blocks are finished 6 1/2" squares. My friend Cindy made her blocks to be 4 1/2" finished, although we used the exact same fabric her blocks are completely different.


Aren't they so neat?

My sister, who always beats to her own drum, used Halloween fabric. Wait till you see this, I will show her main fabric first and then some of her blocks.


Aren't they cool? Man how can one fabric give you so many cool blocks. Can you tell I loved this technique and class!

This what my quilt will eventually look like once I get the sashing on.

What my sisters quilt will look like, no sashing yet.

If you get a chance to take this class, make sure you do. It was so much fun and Bettye is a great teacher!

Also one quick reminder that there are only 5 more days to enter for my Slice Fabrique giveaway. It is worth over $200 so make sure you enter and tell your friends to come and visit and enter to win! Even if you are already a follower you have to leave a comment to be included in the draw.

ATTENTION bloggers in blogland let me know if you do a post this week about my draw and I'll put in extra draw ticket for you!

Good luck everyone and have a great week.

Natasha

It's Christmas In July

2011-07-13T21:17:00.000-07:00

Hi Everyone

Does anyone know where summer is? I keep waiting but it just doesn't seem to be coming. This week at work has been feeling even more like fall, all the Christmas fabric is starting to arrive! It is like Christmas morning, what's under the wrapping, what's in the box? Oh I can't wait to see! The next feeling... Oh my goodness what am I going to make first! I think there is a lot if sewing in my future. Those who know me also know that I LOVE IT! Here is one of the samples I have made so far. I love this pattern I will have to get you the pattern name, at home right now and for the life of me I just can't remember the designer.

Before the winter projects get a hold on me I did make a great pattern from Metropolis Quilting Patterns.

This quilt was fun to make and didn't take too long. I really wanted to add some detail to the background so I added the beads to add some dimension and I love it. Great pattern!

Well happy quilting!

Have you entered to win the Slice Fabrique, check out my last blog and make sure you leave a comment. Your comment is your entry! There is only 1 week left to enter.

Oh my goodness I have an Awesome Giveaway!

2011-06-30T14:38:00.000-07:00

Hi Everyone

I just can't believe it! Through a generous donation from the folks at Making Memories, I'm able to give away a Slice Fabrique Cordless Digital Design Cutter to one of my followers! I was so lucky to win one these cutting systems last fall at Quilt Market and now I get to pass the joy onto one of you! This is what the Slice Fabrique looks like:

The cutter comes with a design card with a ton of designs, all of which can be resized from 1"- 4" in 1/2" increments. That gives you hundreds of possible cuts! There is so much you do with this cutter, if you are card maker or scrapbooker it can be used with paper too! It is just endless what you can do.

Visit Slice Fabrique CLICK here

How to enter:

1. Become a follower of my blog.

2. Leave a comment. This is your official entry! 1 entry per person

3. Visit The Slice website and take a look at all the design cards, just for fun what would you make with your slice!
4. Pass it on!

Bonus entry:

1. Visit my sisters blog and become a follower and leave a comment and get and extra entry. The winner of the Slice Fabrique will also win the NEW Accessory Bag! More chances to win and a bonus gift too!

My sisters Blog

www.theroguequilter.blogspot.com

Entry Deadline July 22 (my sister's birthday). To keep it all fair I will use randon.org to select the winner. Good luck everyone!

Have you heard... there is another GO! to give away!

2011-06-28T20:05:00.000-07:00

Hi Everyone

Have you heard that Kathy at Quilting Along the Gorge is also giving away a GO! Baby! So far it has just been me to enter...hmm maybe I shouldn't say anything! This is big news and you need to enter! So visit her site, become a follower, leave her a message and let the waiting begin! Good luck. Wow Accuquilt sure is generous, thanks for hosting Kathy.

I love this new die, never thought I would be a basket girl but I love this quilt.

quiltingalongthegorge.blogspot.com

New Laminate fabrics

2011-06-27T19:32:00.000-07:00

Hi Everyone

I have been having fun playing with all the new laminate fabrics at the store. It is very easy to sew, the backing is actually cotton so your machine should have no problem sewing through all the layers. The only time you have to be very careful is when you are top stitching. When top stitching use a Teflon foot or a roller foot. There are so many things you can made, bags, ipod cases, laptop cover, baby bibs, aprons, raincoats, tablecloth, back of picnic blanket..... so many ideas and fun too! We recently had a new book come in from Oliver + S pattern company, Little things to sew. Just so happens they had the cutest Little Red Riding Hood cape. So I made a laminate raincoat using the pattern from the book.

I also made this great new bag, I just loved how it turned out. I will have to work on the pattern this week.

This summer we are also doing a few classes at The Cloth Castle, you have got to see this crochet blanket from Rebecca. Rebecca made this granny square baby blanket from the Sirdar Cotton Calico yarn. It is so cute and looks like so much fun. Hmmm looks like I'll be learning something new this summer!

Can't you see a baby coming home with this little charmer! Way to go Rebecca I just love it! Rebecca has also started her knitting and crochet blog, visit her at the address below.

www.inanook.blogspot.com

Have a great week everyone,

GO! Baby Giveaway

2011-06-24T21:11:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone

If you don't know already, Vicky B is hosting a great giveaway. Visit her blog and become a follower and enter to win a GO! Baby.

vickibquilts.blogspot.com

If you are visiting me and you haven't become a follower....join the fun and become one of the group!

Good luck everyone,

Show and Tell

2011-06-17T21:37:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone
What a busy week I have had. I haven't had much time to sew, I have started my Crazy Patch Wool Crazy though. I think I will just make one block and use it for a wallhanging. At the Cloth Castle we are having a quilt challenge based on Crazy Patch, I love the challenge it is always so much fun and really gets you to try a project you may not have done otherwise. Here is the start, I still have a ways to go but I'm having so much fun.

I recently celebrated my birthday (I confess I struggle with birthdays), but I have special people that make it a day to celebrate. My friend Trudy made me a very special pillowcase. Trudy spent a lot of time doing the hand stitching on the cuff, I just love the idea of hand stitching. I just think that there is so much love that goes into a hand made project. I will treasure this gift for years to come.

Isn't the stitching just beautiful! One of the most special gifts I have had made for me, I just love it.

A Quilt Till you Wilt friend of mine (Lee), made this Dresden Plate bag for me. Lee buys a lot of my leftover fabrics from samples and makes a lot of projects from them. I'm pretty lucky that she thought of me to make a gift for.

My coworker Pauline made this stitching set for me. Can you believe the pin cushion and scissor case were all made entirely in the hoop of an embroidery machine!

Well I hope you all have a great weekend and Happy Father's Day,

Natasha

The beautiful days of Spring....finally!

2011-06-05T10:18:00.000-07:00

Hi Everyone

Well it was late in coming but the sun and warmth are finally here. What a great weekend. Saturday after work I finally had a little time to work on my little patio and get the flowers all done, it was so nice and quiet and warm, what a great way to unwind after a busy week. Now I did have a helper.... who is this peeking in on things?

It's my sister's cat Gambit. The cat that likes to think it is a sea otter.

Well even with help I did get everything done and it looks great, can't wait to sit outside and enjoy dinner there.

Well now onto prepping for quilt club, I won't tell you what it is but here are the colours and it is for your table! See you on Tuesday if you are a clubber. Have a great rest of the weekend.

Natasha

Back in the groove

2011-06-03T22:18:00.000-07:00

Hi Everyone

Well it has taken me weeks to get back in the groove, the last several weeks have been so busy. I have had time to make a couple of new things one is for quilt club and that is a surprise until next week, the other is this great bag.

Have any of you used clothesline cord to make bags and bowls before? It is so much fun! I have the steps shown below you have to try this technique, it takes longer to make the lining than it does to make the bag.

Polyester wrapped cotton clothesline cord.

1.5" wide strips of 45" wide fabric

Wrap the fabric over the cord creating piping.

Use a piping foot for your sewing machine to sew very close to the edge.

You need to make miles and miles of the piping.

I can't believe I forgot to take the next picture.... using a top stitching size 14, start to make a coil and zig zag through the layers. Shape it into an oval, you will be surprised how easily it sews. Once you have made the base of your bag the size you would like, continue to sew but slightly tip the started coil and start making the sides. Continue until the bag in the height you would like. Once it is complete make the lining and sew to the bag inside.

Have fun, Natasha

Husqvarna Convention

2011-05-18T21:26:00.000-07:00

Hello Everyone

Well what a busy couple of days. I have been taking classes on the new Designer Diamond Deluxe sewing and Embroidery Machine..... way to tease me! I have also been taking classes regarding the updates for software.
Tonight when we were having dinner we had great entertainment. The educators from Husqvarna were issued a challenge, they had about 30 minutes and a mystery box of supplies to make a garment. It was just hilarious, they were having so much fun! Enjoy the photos I wish you could have seen it. Some of the pictures aren't great but enjoy them.

Well better run, Natasha

Final Days at Market

2011-05-16T22:21:00.000-07:00

My goodness what a busy trip this was. Most days we were going from 8am-10pm.It was a lot of fun. Now I'm in Reno for Husqvarna Convention. It looks like we will also be very busy here with lots of classes and great new software classes...... I never thought of myself as techie before but I really like it! I have learned so much these last couple of years. Usually by trial and a little help from my friends!
I must admit I'm getting little weary so I'm going to keep this blog short I just wanted to share a couple more photos with you. I apologize now for any spelling and grammar errors I make!



Do you know these ladies? Arlene is on the right standing in front, she is the designer of Rabbit's Haven patterns from Mayne Island. Arlene also has a fabric line with her sweet little bunnies and snowmen.
We have local celebrities at Quilt Market!

Just loved this dragonfly quilt from Lonni Rossi.

Hope you can read this too funny!

New GO! Die. Love It!

Bryan won a Slice Fabrique Cutting System!

Well I better get off to bed another busy day tomorrow!

Natasha

Quilt Market Day 2

2011-05-13T21:07:00.000-07:00

Well we just returned from Handi Quilter and I really want to share some photos from the day with you. I hope you enjoy them!

These photos are from the Riley Blake Booth, I just love this tree. It is wrapped in fabric around all the trunk and branches and the leaves are cut from fabric. Isn't it great! A little birds nest too.

One of my favorite stitchery patterns; Crabapple Hill Studio

I just love this display from French General

I have so many more photos, I will add more later but I'm going to put them all on the Cloth Castle Facebook page.

Natasha

Quilt Market

2011-05-13T16:00:00.000-07:00

Hi Everybody

First off sorry that the blog didn't come through, the blogger site was down for repairs and I couldn't get the blog out.
Now on to the fun stuff. Our first day at quilt market was really fun, we did classes all day and then Sample spree.

Sample spree is what you all would love! Sample Spree is for all of who own or work for quilt shops to buy fabric bundles, samples and pattern for the next season. the spree doors don't open until 8pm around 3pm in the afternoon ladies start to line up, you can't even imagine the amount of people just waiting to get in there and get the deals and the fabrics.

You see everyone just gets comfy and waits it out, until the magic doors open and the spree begins.

We bought stuff for the store and I also had a chance to buy something for me too! It is just the cutest line called Scandinavian Christmas.

This is a teaser of the fabric, below I took a photo in the booth of parts of the quilt..... I Love IT! If I have it correct this will be Christmas for next year, maybe I'll actually have a chance to have the sample finished!

I also really love Riley Blake fabric lines so I also had a chance to get a Christmas bundle, this we are getting to the whole line of at The Cloth Castle. I also LOVE it too. Well lets be honest I Love It all!

The spree lasts only 2 hours so it is power shopping at its finest, this is what the shoppers look like.

Well I have to run, we are going to the factory were they make Handi Quilter Quilting machines tonight for some fun and dinner. I took about 200 pictures today so when we get back tonight I'll post here and at The Cloth Castle facebook page.

See you all soon, Natasha

Mother's Day Tea

2011-05-04T20:17:00.000-07:00

Hello Everyone

Well another Mother's Day tea has come and gone. What a great weekend we had. The ladies came to sew their Dresden table runners. In between sewing we had a little morning tea and croissants, then sewed a little more, then lunch, sew a little more, then dessert. You get the idea, just a fun day of sewing and eating! The day is always fun. Here are some of the pictures from the day.

This is the new colour way I made for a new sample.

My sister the elf in the kitchen!

Happy Quilting!
Natasha

Happy Easter

2011-04-22T17:15:00.000-07:00

There are so many messages to take away from this video, no matter what you believe. If nothing else be inspired to try something that you thought you could never do!

Happy Easter.

Say hello to my little friends!

2011-04-19T17:13:00.000-07:00

Hi Everyone

I have been having some fun with my Slice Fabrique. I love cutting out anything with my cutter. I saw these cute little jungle guys and just had to try them out!

Some of the designs are from the Fabrique card Animal Frenzy and the other guys are from Zoo-Topia. I did learn a valuable tip while cutting the shapes. Sometimes there are a lot of details for the machine to cut. I found that if I actually had the paper side facing up instead of the fabric the end result was much better. My theory is that the blade can't get caught on the fibres of the fabric if you have paper side up. the more detailed the design the better the cut was. If you have a Slice Fabrique give it a try. Still spray the temporary spray adhesive, but then try with paper side up! The Animal Frenzy card is a layering card, a great new feature, your applique has more dimension.

And here is the quilt top. I just love how it turned out. I still have to quilt it, I will add a lot of dimension with thread work. First though I need to find some time!

Happy Quilting, Natasha

What happens in Vegas stays in Vegas..... I don't think so!

2011-04-12T20:44:00.000-07:00

Hi Everyone
What a great time we had in Las Vegas. My Mom celebrated her 60th birthday and there was no better place to go than Las Vegas. Mom, sister, myself and our friends had such a great time! What a great city. Great people and so much to do. We left on Thursday and came home on Sunday so we only had 2 full days. We packed a lot in those two days but sadly no time for quilt shops. Oh well guess that means I just have to go back! Thought I would share some photos with everyone.

That's Mom in the green and our friend and my coworker Vandy

Just about our whole group, 2 slipped away before we could catch them! We were very lucky to get a great deal on a limo to Freemont Street. Our driver was so nice he gave us his number and said if he was busy he would send another car.........boy did he send us a car

Stretch HUMMER! I could have lived in there!

Mom and me

My sister trying to win big! Takes awhile when you play pennies!

Inside Ceasar's Palace.

View of the strip from the top of Eiffel Tower.

Viva Elvis the newest Cirque Show. It Was SOOOO good!

The performers are so incredible.

Our last show was Phantom of the Opera. I love this musical. I have seen it before but what a treat to see it in Vegas. Incredible.

Well that's all for now. Hope you enjoyed the pictures.
Natasha

April Quilt Club

2011-04-05T21:52:00.000-07:00

Hi Everyone

How can it be that another month has gone by! Someone stop the clock and let me catch up! We had quilt club this morning..... my goodness what a full house. Lots of show and tell. I'm sorry that I can't get pictures, I'm the one showing the show and tell.

We had a great project that I really loved doing. I have been playing with 9 degree wedge rulers. They are so much fun. I really like that you don't need a lot of fabric to make a great project. The first thing I made was a round tablemat, 36" diameter and looks really effective.

After making this mat I thought what else could I make with this ruler. So I decided to try a very different layout. This first runner didn't quite turn out the way I had hoped. I didn't like how the black broke in the middle. So on Saturday night at Quilt till You Wilt a light bulb when off. The second photo shows the second version of the runner.... much better. OK I'm happy now!

Well I'm off have a great week everyone!

Happy Quilting, Natasha

My sister has a blog!

2011-04-03T21:47:00.000-07:00

Hi Everyone

My sister really has become a quilt addict... she has started a quilting blog! Check out her first entry at

http://www.theroguequilter.blogspot.com/

Natasha

Westshore Quilt Show

2011-03-29T21:04:00.000-07:00

Last weekend was the last show of the season for the Cloth Castle. We were at the Westshore Quilters Guild Show. As usual it was a great event. I have some photos of some of the quilts I really liked.

My helpers.... Miriam, Vandy and Michael. Looks like they need to focus on the job!

Just kidding they are just hamming it up!

Me and Bryan (my other helper) taking a quick break!

This is a section of our booth, looks a little messy while we are setting up!
It all comes together in the end.

We have moved all the stock back to the store and put it all away. There is always a couple days for me after a show when I think....what do I do now? Then we get a new delivery and I get excited and the sewing bug bits again! Doesn't take long for the next project to come around.

There were so many quilts that I loved at the show, well done everyone!

Happy Quilting, Natasha

I Believe She's Amazing Flash Mob - Toronto Eaton Centre

2011-03-07T22:32:00.001-08:00

For us all...

2011-03-07T22:32:00.000-08:00

It is not to often that I blog twice in one day. Today I received a great e-mail from a friend.

A Flash Mob Dance Video was organized by Kim MacGregor. Kim created this as a tribute to her best friend Erika Heller who died of colon cancer. Each and every telephone conversation they ever had, Erika would end by telling Kim "You're an amazing woman"! Well, Kim wanted to do something special to honour her friend and this is the result. Please visit this site as it honours amazing women everywhere.

I think that just about everyone has been touched by cancer in one way or another. This video is a gift for us all. It is a great reminder at how special and unique we all are. You are all amazing.

To all who are surviving and living with cancer, to the people we have lost but remember and cherish everyday. Your amazing!

I miss you friend.

Natasha

Look who's sewing now!

2011-03-07T10:03:00.000-08:00

Hi Everyone

I'm so excited.... my sister bought her first big girl sewing machine! Miriam just bought the Husqvarna Topaz 30 sewing and embroidery machine. Do you think she looks excited?

 It came home on Friday night and right away she had it out of the box and explored all the parts. So my next question is ..... what is your first project going to be?

I'll keep you posted!

Sadly I don't have a project to show, I have been very sick with a terrible cold. Just getting out of bed was about my speed. But there is a light at the end of tunnel, today I'm starting to feel human once again. Thank goodness!
I have been thinking alot the last couple days about the quilt challenge at the Cloth Castle. We are doing a crazy quilt challenge this year. It can be paper pieced, template pieced or traditional. I love the Wool Crazy technique ( thanks Paulette!), so I have starting planning my piece. Just a wallhanging this year though. Well I think I need a nap now, pathetic I know. I HATE being sick.

Here's hoping you are all keeping well and happy quilting.

Natasha

Sewing Show

2011-02-28T19:38:00.000-08:00

Hi Everyone

It has been a while since I have had time to write a blog entry. I have been so busy sewing that there just wasn't anymore time left for anything else. I have been working on a very involved project that I will be teaching as a class. It is a quilt made on your embroidery machine and is meant to be made over a few months, I made it over 2 1/2 weeks! It was a ton of work but so worth it. It is called Goosetracks and designed by Hoopsisters.

My good friend and quilting buddy, Cindy also made a smaller version of the quilt too and in completely different colours. Looks great and I love the smaller version.

We had a great weekend at the Sewing and Craft show, now we just have to put all the stock away and get ready for the Westshore Quilt Show at the end of March. I took some photos of our booth if you didn't make the show.

Well I better get going I have to get ready for quilt club tomorrow. We have great new fabric at the store that works just great for an attic window quilt. Here is a sneak peek!

Have a great week and Happy Crafting!

Natasha

First Quilt Club of the year

2011-02-02T19:57:00.000-08:00

What a great turn out we had for quilt club yesterday. My demo was using the Easy Dresden Ruler from EZ Quilting. I LOVE this ruler. Talk about fast and easy. All I want to do is make Dresden Plate Quilts.

The ruler comes with really clear instructions and is very easy to follow. This is a great technique for all levels of quilters, so don't be shy jump right in! The following is the step by steps for making one block. Have fun with your new favorite tool!

First decide what size of Dresden plate you would like. For example a tablerunner might use 3"-4" wedges. So decide on your size and then cut a strip of fabric in that size by the width of the fabric. I used 3 1/2" for the small Dresden that will be shown at the end of the demo.

Using your ruler start cutting wedges from the fabric strips. Alternate the ruler so you have no wastage.

Step 1- Fold the wedge in half lengthwise. Right sides together.
Step 2- Using 1/4" seam allowance sew across the top edge.
Step 3- Clip the corner, be careful not to snip your stitching.

Now turn the piece right side out. Use the point turner provided with the ruler to turn out the point. When you flip it out try to open the seam allowance. Press really well.

No matter what size of Dresden you make, each one will use 20 wedges to create the ring. Now sew the 20 wedges together. Always sew from the top down and start 1/4" down and back stitch a couple stitches. You don't want to see your joining stitches. Once they are sewn together press the seams all in one direction. Be careful when you press, you don't want to stretch the ring.

And presto here is your ring. Applique onto your background and then cut out a circle big enough to cover the center opening.

Have fun making your Dresden Plates..... be warned they are addictive!

Hi Ho Hi Ho it's off to quilt I go!

2011-01-26T16:10:00.000-08:00

Hi Everyone

What a busy start to the new year it has been. This year our local Sewing and Craft show is a month early...you know what that means. Sew, Sew, Sew... as fast as you can. My coworkers and I at the store have been sewing everyday making lots of new samples. I also have been working projects for quilt club. Our first club is this Tuesday and I've made a really cute Dresden Plate Quilt. Using the Quick Dresden Plate ruler by EZ Quilt. I love this project and can't wait to make another quilt. the picture below is just a little teaser I'll post the whole quilt after club on Tuesday.

With Christmas always such a hectic and busy time. My quilting friends and I exchanged gifts in January, I have to brag and say that I have some talented friends! Thought I would share the pictures.

Pauline made the little bag... has the cutest stitching all around the outside with hand stitched flowers. Karen knit me a beautiful scarf. Colleen made a wool snowman pin cushion and cardinal ornament. Nikki set us all up with everything we need for needle felting, which is sooo addictive! Vandy made us frames that you hang earrings on.
What fun we had, aren't they talented!

This year at The Cloth Castle we are also having our quilt challenge. The quilt block is crazy patch, so I have pulled out my wool and decided to start my Wool Crazy wallhanging. It is a lot of fun and I think I will be working on it for awhile. Each little section gets a different applique, you can out all your favorite things or personalize it for your life. It should be lots of fun and I can't wait to start embellishing.

Well I better get to work and get going on my samples. Happy stitching.

Natasha

A New Year

2011-01-10T17:33:00.000-08:00

Hi Everyone

Hope you all had a great holiday season with your family. My family and I went to Mexico and we had a GREAT time! I think I really enjoyed just spending time with the family, not about gifts and all that.

This is the resort we stayed at, Riu Jalisco

This is a view from up on a cliff of the coastline, Puerto Vallarta.

The whole family had such a great time, we didn't want to come home! It was also a lot colder when we arrived home. All good things must come to an end. Time to start saving for another holiday.

I was back at work on Jan. 4. I really had to get going on some of my class samples. I got together with a few of my quilting buddies on Saturday night. I managed to get this cute bag done and the little change purse. Both projects were really fun to make up. Great gifts for any occasion! I know I will be making more of these little projects.

Two Hour Tulip Purse from Anything but Boring

This is a great wallet for all the cards we carry around. Doesn't need a lot of fabric, great stash project.

Well I hope this year brings you lots of time for quilting and sewing. Happy New Year.

Natasha

I wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year....

2010-12-22T16:53:00.000-08:00

Hi Everyone

Before my family and I leave on our Mexican Holiday, I just wanted to wish you and your family the happiest of Christmas'. Enjoy your loved ones close to you and far away and remember those we have lost; but are in our hearts always. Blessings for a Happy New Year! Remember the reason for the season!

Merry Christmas, Natasha

"It came without packages, boxes or bags!"

The Grinch thought of something he hadn't before!

"Maybe Christmas," he thought "doesn't come from a store."

"Maybe Christmas....perhaps....means a little bit more!"

from:

How the Grinch Stole Christmas

by:

Dr.Seuss

The Christmas Countdown is on!

2010-12-17T17:48:00.000-08:00

Hi everyone, sorry it has taken so long to get a new blog out. I finally started holidays and went up island for a few days. I have a very dear friend there, her and her husband will soon move away. It was the perfect time to go up to Parksville. Trudy and I both considered Michelle a sister, our friendship grew through Michelle. We both rely on each other when things get tough.

This is a quilt for Trudy and Gene's new home, with love from me!

My sister also came along for the trip, while we were there we attended The Bethlehem Walk at Parksville Baptist Church. I'm including some photos but they don't do justice to how much work everyone went to. It was a great presentation and I loved it. A great start to the Holiday Season. Besides seeing great friends it was one of the highlights of my trip.

Shepard guarding his flock.....

Mary, Joseph and Baby Jesus

One of my favorite market vendors

all wool....loved it!

I have done a little sewing too. I finished my new tree skirt. I'm thrilled how it turned out, the crystals look like sparkling ice under the tree. I wish you could see it better.

Next on my agenda... start working on some of my class samples for the New Year.

Well I better sign off for now, quilting with friends tomorrow need to get ready!

Natasha

If found please bring me home

2010-11-23T20:54:00.000-08:00

    I was so sad to discover that someone has stolen one of my quilts from the store. It saddens me that there are dishonest people who would steal from me and I do take it personal, I put time and effort into that quilt. If anyone sees my quilt or feels ashamed at having taken an item of mine please return it to The Cloth Castle. It can be left by the back door.
    If whoever took it is reading this..... you should be ashamed!
   The quilt is a whole cloth quilt stitched out on my embroidery machine and I have attached a copy of a photo.
   Sorry everyone for having to post such a negative blog but I just can't believe that there are still dishonest people who would steal from me. I know it shouldn't surprise me but It still stings.

Take care everyone, Natasha

Christmas on my mind....

2010-11-17T20:17:00.000-08:00

I can't believe that we are past the middle of the month already. This year is going by way too fast! With thoughts of Christmas quickly approaching I thought I better get going on some sewing. My embroidery machine has been working hard creating new Christmas decorations and gifts. I have been working on a new tree skirt for myself, I actually made the same one for my mom last year and just loved it. The snowflakes are all embroidered and then I use the iron on crystals to embellish, if only you could see how the tree skirt sparkles beneath the tree.

The picture just doesn't do justice to how pretty this comes out.

This is one snowflake with the crystals ironed on. When the light hits, it just lights up.

I just have to pause and say sometimes these computers really get on my nerves! If it would just type where I want it to that would be great! Very frustrating. Sorry about the large space between.

Anyway..... I also downloaded this embroidery design for a Christmas Stocking. It took a bit of time to stitch out but worth it. Now to finish it.

Have you ever visited the Bake Shop on the Moda home page? There are so many great patterns, and they are all FREE! I spent hours looking there the other day. Great project ideas and fun blog to read. Just click on the link below and it will take you there. Have fun.

www.modabakeshop.com

I have been working on my new classes for the new year. I'm starting a great new program, Natasha's 5 for $75. You can pick from 26 different classes, you pick the 5 classes you would like and only pay $75 (supplies extra). That's only $15 per class! Anymore classes than 5, you only pay the $15 per class. The details will be available soon at The Cloth Castle, the schedule should be out by Dec.1 or around that time.

Well I better get back to my sewing, have a great week.

Natasha

It Slices and Dices and More!

2010-11-08T17:40:00.000-08:00

Well we have been home 1 week and have I been busy! Lots of activities at work and also lots of ideas running around my brain for my Slice. I love this gadget I can't wait until we get the rest of the cards for the machine.
This weekend I got down to business and made up some samples to show the ladies at Quilt Club tomorrow, if you are a club member you may not want to peek! But if you are like me you won't be able to resist! Oh well you can see them in person tomorrow. Enjoy. I loved doing all the projects I have other things I need to get done, all I want to do is Slice and Dice!

Snowflakes were all cut in Slice Fabrique Machine

Flowers and Alphabet all cut with Slice Fabrique. I also used the ruffler attachment for my sewing machine... that makes a quick job of ruffles! This summer when I went to the Husqvarna Convention I also took a class on free motion quilting. The circles on the background of the alphabet were circles that I learned in that class.

Quick and Easy tablerunner, it took only 15 minutes to cut these leaves!
To make this runner took only 3 hours start to finish.

I don't know if I mentioned it , I'm loving my Slice Fabricque and no I don't get paid to say that it is a great tool!

So as you can see I have been having fun this weekend, now I better get to work and actually get the demo ready for my pattern for club tomorrow!

Have a great week!

Natasha

The Final Days of Market .......

2010-11-01T20:14:00.000-07:00

Hi Everyone

Well, it is time to come home already! The time has gone by so fast. Sunday and Monday were very busy days, it took the two days just walk and see what was being offered. I did all my ordering on Monday. We had a great time and now it is time to start thinking of making up new quilt samples.

You're the first to hear this but I won BIG at the show. I won a Slice Fabrique Digital Cutting Machine! I am sooooo excited! I can't wait to try it out when I get home. It is one of the items I have ordered for the store, so to get one before they are even available is really thrilling. I'm going to put it to work as soon as I get home!

The SLICE™ Fabrique is a revolutionary fabric-cutting tool that makes quilting easier.

Don’t spend hours cutting intricate designs with scissors when you can save time by allowing the SLICE™ Fabrique to do all the work for you. The SLICE™ Fabrique works with design cards specifically customized for fabric so you can cut alphabets, numbers, flowers, icons, basic shapes, and more.

Apply a fusible web to your cotton fabric, felt or flannel and you are ready to start Slicing. If you can imagine it, you can SLICE™ it.

Thank you so much everyone at Making Memories for such a generous prize! For all my quilt club members make sure you are at the November Meeting to see this little baby in action!

Visit Making Memories to see more information.


This is one of the quilt projects made using the Slice Fabrique.


*Have I mentioned I'm SO EXCITED!*

My sister won big too!

My sister also won a really great storage unit, I think we both came away with generous prizes. Well I better start getting my bags ready and hope and pray that my bag isn't over the weight restriction. I hope you all enjoyed following us at Quilt Market, I have posted more photos at The Cloth Castle Facebook page, enjoy.

See you in the store soon. Natasha

Ready for day 2?

2010-10-30T15:31:00.000-07:00

View of the show floor from windows above, this is a small portion of what is here.

What a day! We have just finished walking the show floor for the day and in about 45 minutes we are heading to a party that Moda puts on each year. Dinner and fun! We had a really great day today, there is just so much to see.... I'm in overload right now. I have collected a lot of fliers from only about a quarter of the booths, I will review them tonight and decide which I will order from. It is a tough decision.....what will everyone like and what will be popular? I have some beautiful pictures to share with you, I can't fit them all on this page, but I will put the whole collection of pictures on the Cloth Castle Facebook page and you can enjoy them all there.


Blackbird Designs Booth. Isn't it gorgeous!


Hop over to Cloth Castle Facebook page to see the rest of the pictures! Have to run and get ready for the party......until later! Natasha

News from Houston

2010-10-29T21:04:00.000-07:00

Hi Everyone

Houston we have a big problem...... I want it all!

Miriam and I arrived Oct. 28 in Houston, Texas. It was a long journey here, it seemed like it was never going to end. We left our house at 3am and arrived here local time around 4pm. We wandered over to the convention hall and then relaxed. I don't think my sister really understood how busy we were going to be on Friday.

Miriam's first Quilt Market

Today was our first day of activities. There a series of classes called Schoolhouse Series, you can choose from around 250 different classes, some are only 15 minutes and some are 30min. We selected classes of things we thought our customers would like or new notions or tools that we should take a close look at. So we did that all day, only breaking for a very quick lunch. It was really fun. The following photos are quilts that were featured at some of the classes I went to.


These 2 quilts are new from Piece of Cake Designs and using the new fabric line Daisy and Dots.


These 2 quilts are all done on the embroidery machine! This was my favorite class I took today, I wish you could see the detail in the stitches. This is from HoopSisters.

After a busy day of classes we had one more event to attend this evening, it's a big one not for the faint of heart! The event was Sample Spree and it is the running of the bulls for Quilters! Hundreds of people start lining up hours before the doors open and then make a dash for your favorite fabric suppliers.

Waiting for Sample Spree to Start.

This a chance for stores to pre-buy fabric bundles, fat quarters, charms, gadgets and more. The big booth to be at is Moda and no I don't go near it, it's DANGEROUS over there! I looked for a few new things for the store, which I found. My sister, she had a ball, she bought a few fabric bundles and book she really liked. We'll get back to her she is going to give us a special report. We spent about 1.5 hours shopping there, it is only open for 2 hours. The picture below is the mob around the Moda booth. You haven't seen a more dedicated group of shoppers until you've seen shop owners and their staff looking for deals!

As I mentioned my sister had a ball and found a few things she really liked.

Well I better sign off for now, I'll keep you posted on what I see and pick up tomorrow.

Natasha

My First Quilt Market- By Miriam
    What a day, today I did schoolhouse classes all day with my sister. After picking the classes that I would do, I was having an amazing time, when I realized I forgot my camera at home! I know how horrible. The classes I really liked was a Sashiko Stencil Quilt and stacking the large Dill buttons to make great broaches and embellishing. I won a sweet door prize....4 charm packs from a vintage collection called Clothesline Club.
    The most interesting thing I learned was when in line for Sample Spree...Don't get between a women and her fabric, they take you down! The women will do anything to get to the Moda booth: pushing, shoving, elbows anything goes just to get to the Moda booth. Sample Spree is crazy, fun and little nuts. I will admit I was ready to shove a few people to get some Robert Kaufmann Fabric! The fever infects you!
    All in all I felt like a kid in a candy store and I love Candy! What a great day plus I'm here with my sister, we are having fun.
    Day one down, next we get to see the show floor...... almost 1000 booths to look at!

Miriam

Halloween Pumpkin Carving Party

2010-10-24T21:13:00.000-07:00

Wow what a turn out! We had about 35 people over and sadly the weather didn't cooperate! So.... we had a lot of people trying to find corners to carve their pumpkins but they managed and they all turned out great. So an afternoon spent with friends turned out great! Thought I would share a few photos, enjoy.

A few of my wonderful friends and my sister in her costume.

Our Youngest little guest, Tori dressed as a little spider! With her mama Megan.

My sister made this wallhanging. You can't see it but the spider web is stitched with Glow in The Dark thread and she also made her own bat buttons.

Apple Cider Recipe

1 Quart Apple Juice
2 cups Cranberry Juice
1/3 cup packed Brown Sugar
4 whole cloves
2 cinnamon sticks (3 inches)

In a large saucepan, combine the apple juice, cranberry juice and brown sugar. Place cloves and cinnamon sticks on a double thickness of cheesecloth, bring up corners of cloth and tie with kitchen stringto form a bag. Add to pan.
Bring to boil over medium heat. Reduce heat; simmer uncovered for 20 minutes.
Disard spice bag.

I like to put it into a crock pot and let it simmer and keep warm.

Natasha's Spinach Dip
CAUTION THIS IS ADDICTIVE!

2 Sour dough bread
1lb Bacon
10oz Spinach Thawed
1 cup grated cheddar cheese
2 large garlic cloves
2 packages cream cheese
1 cup Mayo

1. Cut a whole in one bread. Tear the left over pieces into bite size pieces as well as the second bowl.
2.Cook bacon until crisp. Blot excess fat, cool and crumble.
3. Squeze out excess water from the spinach.
4. Mix all the ingrediants in a bowl.
5. Serve in the hollowed out bowl.

Happy Halloween everyone!

Natasha

Pumpkin Patch

2010-10-22T22:16:00.000-07:00

Don't you just love the sight of a pumpkin field. I love pumpkins! My mom, sister and I went to our local pumpkin patch and picked up a few for our Pumpkin Party this weekend. We have about 30 people coming over to carve and have fun.... keep you posted on that one.

Which one should come home with me?

Me with the pumpkins at The Red Barn Market.

The three of us had a really great day, the sun was shining, one of those perfect fall days. My sister has already carved some of her pumpkins. Using different stencils she carves all different characters, this year her favorite is Alice in Wonderland.

We just got our Accuquilt Go! in at the store, can I find time this weekend to play? I'm sure if I try really hard there will be time. I can't wait to use the tumbler dye, it has always caught my eye. There are so many projects that can be done with this cutting system.....hmmm new club? I'm just learning that I LOVE gadgets, this is trouble.

I leave for Houston in.... 6 DAYS! I'm starting to get excited now and can't wait to see what's new in the quilting and sewing world. My sister is REALLY excited, she has a game plan for all the booths she wants to see. It is probably a good thing we can't buy from the booths directly! She'll be coming home with heavier bags than when we left.
I'm hoping to be sending some blogs from Houston, I will be taking lots of classes and ordering new "stuff" for the store, you'll be the first to know!

Well better sign off, have a great weekend everyone.

Natasha

Fall...what a great time of year!

2010-10-12T10:53:00.000-07:00

I just love the fall, cool evenings, sometimes nice days, thanksgiving and Halloween. The colors are so rich and inspiring.

This past weekend we celebrated Thanksgiving and I have to share with you all, my favorite Pumpkin Cheesecake recipe. It tradition in our family and very easy to make. If any of you get the What's Cooking Magazine from Kraft you may already have the recipe. If you don't get this magazine you should, just visit Kraftkitchens.com and register and quarterly you will receive the magazine FREE! There are always easy meals ideas and I look forward to getting it every season.

Pumpkin Swirl Cheesecake

Prep:20 min Total: 5 hours including refrigerating

18 Peek Freans Ginger Crisps (1 sleeve crushed)
1/4 cup finely chopped Pecans
1/4 cup butter melted
3 pks (250g) Cream Cheese
3/4 cup sugar, divided
1 tsp Vanilla
3 eggs
1 cup canned pumpkin
1tsp. ground cinnamon
1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
Dash ground cloves

**** I have used Pumpkin Pie Spice in place of the above spices and it works great****

Preheat oven at 350 degrees (300 degrees if using dark pan). Combine cookie crumbs, pecans and butter. Press into the bottom of 9" springform pan.

Beat cream cheese, 1/2 cup sugar and vanilla with mixer until well blended. Add eggs one at a time, mixing on low speed after each addition just until blended.

Remove approx 1 cup of batter; place in a small bowl. Stir remaining 1/4 cup sugar, pumpkin and spices into remaining batter. Spoon pumpkin batter into crust; top with spoonfuls of reserved plain batter. Cut through batters with knife to create a swirl effect.

Bake 45 min. or until centre is almost set. Cool completely. refrigerate 4 hours or overnight. Store leftover cheesecake in refrigerator.

Enjoy!

Now our next event Halloween! My sister is a HUGE fan of Halloween, but this year my sister will be traveling with me to the Houston Quilt Market. I will be going as a buyer for the store, taking classes and learning new stuff! My sister is coming to keep me company and give her opinion when needed. The trip is right over Halloween though. Sooo... we are planning a pumpkin carving party for the weekend before we go. So this weekend my Mom, Sister and I got the ball rolling. We love the harvest side of Halloween and enjoy seeing kids picking their pumpkins and just being with friends! Have you guys met my sister yet? I don't think so, everyone meet my sister Miriam.

This picture was taken a couple years ago when we went to Mexico. These are Ridley Turtles that were just hatched and being rescued by a Sea Turtle Conservation Centre. It was a special treat to get to hold the turtles!

Anyway back to Halloween. I pulled out my Cuddlebug and we made our invites. I have to say it was fun to work with a different craft medium! Here's a pic of our invitation.

Just as I'm finishing up my blog, I just got the call that my friends Maria and Michael are going to have their baby tomorrow! I better get going I'm watching their son Matias while they do their check in today for c-section. A new baby, no better blessing! Have a great day everyone.

Natasha

Fun times with my Ruby

2010-09-30T20:44:00.000-07:00

What fun I have been having! Last Saturday I had class to show the new Cutwork Needles put out by Inspira. Who would have thought I would have so much fun. My favorite project fabric covered journals. I embroidered the designs in tone on tone on the fabric first and then stitched them out in a contrast and had the needles "cut" them out.

I have also been using my embroidery machine for machine quilting..... I LOVE IT! You just hoop the whole quilt with backing and batting, select your design and off you go. So easy and the tension is great everytime. I made up this Christmas quilt to showcase the designs and I never thought I would like it this much.

I was recently visiting a friend in Parksville, we stopped by a second hand store and I couldn't believe that there were these brand new crocheted baby blankets. I bought 2, to set aside for future baby gifts, they are so soft and sweet. Get this they were only $3, it costs more for the yarn!

Paulette over at Sweet Pea Quilting has photo's of a quilt show held at Cloth Castle and mentioned that she didn't get a full photo of this quilt so here it is. I adjusted the pattern to make it into a quilt rather than a wallhanging. I apologize but I don't know who's pattern it is.

Happy quilting and sewing, Natasha

Friday Night Sew In

2010-09-18T07:07:00.000-07:00

Last night I decided to join The Friday Night Sew In group. It was a great way to work on projects, by the time I got home it was after 9pm so I didn't have a lot of time. I had to get a baby gift done for Saturday so I worked on that. I love Minkie fabric, there is a new brand put out by Shannon Fabrics called cuddle, it is so nice for baby gifts and quilt backings. I made a little stroller blanket for the baby with machine embroidery on it.

This past week I have been working on a sample for one of my classes, Strip Tube Quilt. That was a lot of fun. If you haven't tried the strip tube ruler you should, really quick and easy. You can use Jelly Rolls for this quilt and make up top in a weekend easily.

This is what the ruler looks like, from Cozy Quilt Designs.

Sew 2 Jelly strips together and then cut a plain strip to match the width of the 2 sewn strips, should be around 4 1/2" wide.

Follow directions on ruler and cut the correct triangle.

And open up your triangle and you have a really great 1/2 square triangle.

And here is the quilt all put together, I still have to add borders but looks pretty good!

I better sign off it is 7am and I have to get ready for work. I have Victoria, BC's version of Friday Night Sew In...... Cloth Castle Quilt Till You Wilt tonight from 6pm -12am. I'm teaching last session of Beginners Quilting this morning, working at the store, baby shower and then Quilt Till You Wilt, busy day ahead! My beginner class, their quilts are looking really great will try to post photos!

Have a great weekend!

Natasha

What a Welcome, Thank you!

2010-09-09T20:06:00.000-07:00

Wow, thank you everyone for your welcome and your comments. I have been pretty busy this week and just had time tonight to check out my blog and surprise.... I have many new friends! I was so excited! Paulette you are so generous to send your friends over, thank you. I would like to make one correction, The Deck The Halls Wallhanging is not one of my patterns, I can't remember the designer but I will get the info and post asap.
I can't believe we are on our way to fall already, with fall comes the beginning of classes. We had quilt club this week, I love the September class. It is like the first day of school for quilters! The ladies haven't seen each other all summer and now they are catching up, all in 2 hours. It is great, the enthusiasm and excitement is contagious. The show and tell was so great, I was so busy that I couldn't even take photos. I will try to get one the ladies to take pictures next time. The pattern I designed is called Polka Dot Panache, I love dots in all sizes and colours!

You can't see them but the center of each circle has a button. So cute.

Have you ever tried the Olfa Circle Cutter? This is the best tool ever, I love it. It can cut up to 8" circles in no time at all. Makes cutting the circles for this quilt super easy.

You can just see the pivot point and where my hand is a 28mm blade. You hold the handle (above my thumb) and away you go. Have I mentioned I LOVE this cutter. It would work also for scrapbooking and card making too.

I fused all the circles with Heat'n'Bond on base of Muslin. After the quilt was done I washed it and it came out looking very vintage. It is really cute. The night before Quilt Club I started the quilt but with Christmas prints it is also really cute.

My sister has been working on some cross stitch and thought I would share some of them with you. They are really pretty, hope you enjoy them.

Well I better sign off, I want to start playing with my Strip Tube Ruler for a class I have coming up. I'll keep you posted and once again thank you everyone who has become a follower and leaving comments....this is so exciting!

Natasha

Time to retire my Favorite Quilt

2010-08-31T21:06:00.000-07:00

Well it is time for me to admit that my favorite Log Cabin Quilt has to be set aside. This is one of the first larger quilts I ever made for myself. When quilters flannel first came on the scene they were actually brushed cotton, not very thick and really only plaids and a few prints. I made this quilt just to try it and see if I liked Log Cabin, who new that I would later have so many Log Cabin quilts and that even today it is still one of my favorites. If only you could feel this quilt, over years of washes it has become the softest and most thread bare quilt I own. I have been teased by my friends and family about how I drag this quilt everywhere with me, just call me Linus! There is something about a quilt from home that gives comfort when you need it. This quilt has traveled to Disneyland at least 5 times, it has been to Europe, Mexico, USA and where ever I travel in Canada. It has been through happy and sad times, collected many tears and laughs. How do you retire a quilt that is a part of your life story? I have a new flannel quilt but funny enough I feel disloyal to my favorite, that is so sad! Oh well we all have our comfort items and some are harder to let go of than others. The funny thing about the quilt is that it is so thread bare that at night the threads tickle my nose, driving me crazy! As you can see my sisters crazy cat, Gammie, likes it too!

As you can see there are parts of the quilt missing and the batting!

If there is a quilt around this cat finds it.

Besides contemplating my quilt I actually have been pretty busy this last week. First the most exciting part... I bought a new Sewing/Embroidery Machine! I have been taking so much training on The Ruby from Husqvarna I HAD to have one. Good thing I'm not married I would have a lot of explaining to do! I had a Topaz and totally loved it but this machine has a few more features that just make things easier. I'm sure having fun. I have sold my Topaz and it is going to a good home, but for now, until it goes to it's new home I have 2 really good sewing machines and that means I can sew twice the amount of projects! I have been working on a cutwork tablecloth on the Ruby and then on the Topaz all my other sewing, I just finished my sample for my Christmas Tea Class, so that is one thing off my list, only about 20 more to go!

This the Ruby stitching out the Cutwork design.......

and here is Topaz with Christmas Tea Sample being quilted.

Well I guess I better sign off, I was supposed to be working on my patterns tonight....oh how I love a good distraction!

Natasha

My First Entry

2010-08-22T15:15:00.000-07:00

Well this is it, I finally have branched out and started by blog. I love to craft but currently my biggest hobby is quilting. Starting this blog, my hope was to connect with other quilters and crafters. I also enjoy scrapbooking and cardmaking, I don't have a lot of time for it though.

Four years ago I started a quilting pattern company with my dear friend Michelle, m&n pattern designs. Michelle sadly passed away about 1.5 years ago but our friendship grew over our love of quilting. When Michelle was on maternity leave with her daughter Rachel, we would get together every Monday and quilt, most Mondays though it would just be a gab fest. Although I miss her daily, the work and projects we worked on are a great memory. We had some very good days sewing, having lunch and going shopping. Shopping really was a good distraction when we supposed to be preparing for our quilt club!

Yesterday we had a Quilt Show at The Cloth Castle, store where I work, Log Cabin Quilt Challenge reveal. Customers came by and voted for their favourite quilts. Viewers Choice Winner was ....me! I was pretty excited. The quilt I won for was my Bali Friendship Log Cabin, approx. 90" X 90", it was a bit if work finishing. The friendship log cabin was a fun day of sewing. Collect 12 of your closest quilting friends everyone brings 24 of their own center squares. When everyone is ready and settled everyone get 2 of each persons squares. Then each person sews on a strip of their fabric. Press and trim and then pass the stack to their neighbor. So as you continue around, each person adds a strip of their fabric. Then you go home and put it all together in any pattern you like and if you are me you go home and "fix" up colours. I ended up making 12 more blocks so I could make a larger quilt and then expanded it's size with borders. I love how it turned out.

Well I better sign off and get some work done. I'm heading off to Vancouver for more sewing machine training tomorrow.

Natasha