Look who's sewing now!

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

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

     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!

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

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....

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!

    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