My sister has a blog!

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

    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

For us all...

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!

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!