Hopscotch Quilt Shop – visiting Moose Jaw April 18, 2010

Heather and Elissa, who own the Hopscotch quilt shop in Coaldale, AB, ventured to M Jaw this wkend, to visit the Gathering of the Guilds.  They have a new book out, so many of their regular customers were thrilled to buy one. Thanks to the many participants at the Gathering – we appreciated all the guests and all the work done by the local group in order to have a successful evening.

In order for Heather and Elissa to get here, they had to endure the storm in Lethbridge as well as two trips to the border to pick up their latest shipment of books. All worked out well in the end!  Following the Gathering, we spent two full days quilting – what a great opportunity to catch up on the latest projects as well as the latest ‘catch up’ news!!

Saskatoon Quilt Guild April 13, 2010

I’ve just returned home from presenting a trunk show for the Saskatoon quilt guild last night. It was great to see so many familiar faces and to “talk quilting” with those who are as involved in the quilting world as I am!  Again- many thanks for the opportunity!

Winnipeg Quilt Show April 10, 2010

I’ve spent a few hours at the Winnipeg quilt show- lots of great quilts to see. I, of course, supported the local economy by buying a few things in the Merchant Mall. It’s great to check out the local stores, since we’ll be moving here sometime within the next year!!  Met a few of the store owners too – always nice to do. Leila Nelson and I caught up on the latest quilt news too. Guess the next big event will be Quilt Canada in Calgary.

The house in Moose Jaw is ready to sell – just need a buyer!! I’ve had to put lots of my quilting stuff in storage – will I go into withdrawal??

Lots of news here!! March 29, 2010

Our guild hosted Pippa Moore from B.C. this weekend. She presented a trunk show on Friday evening: we really appreciated her descriptions of the classes that she has taught in Uganda. She has taught women how to sew quilted articles. Most of us were thrilled to buy some of the finished products. She taught a two day class to 20 of us.  We used “ferns, fronds, and flowers” to design our own wall hangings. A wonderful time was had by all. We do have U.F.O.’s, of course – I’m sure they’ll be finished shortly, as we were all so impressed with our wall hangings.

I’d also like to thank my kids and husband for the wonderful 60th birthday party. A lot of organizing and secrets and a few fibs were involved!! I was absolutely thrilled – almost speechless (which is not often for me!!). My kids  and grand daughter were there as well as all my siblings with some nieces and nephews from various places in SK and AB. Lots of friends too – I am truly blessed!  Thanks again to everyone.

Back to Quilting: My next quilting adventure will take me to Saskatoon, where I will be giving a trunk show on Apr 12. I may  also go to the quilt show in Winnipeg  Apr 9-11.

Back to Moose Jaw! March 9, 2010

I’ve just returned from a week in Winnipeg – grand parenting!  My daughter, daughter-in-law and myself went to Toronto for 5 days to celebrate my birthday.  We were in the CityLine audience (actually showed on TV today). It was kind of fun to see how this type of production is made.  The rest of the day was  spent at the Eaton Center – shop, shop, shop!! We saw Jersey Boys, The Bata Shoe Museum, The Textile Museum of Canada and spent a day in the garment district.  There wasn’t much quilting fabric – but, it was still fun.  I found lots of beads – I’m ready to do even more embellishment.

Back in Winnipeg, I met up with Laila Nelson and we managed to get to the quilt shop in Stonewall.  She has just got her long arm quilting business all set up after a recent move from Moose Jaw.  We were thinking that there aren’t a lot of quilt shops in Winnipeg – this could mean lots of road trips!!

Olympics and other stuff! February 24, 2010

I’m sure that there is less quilting going on!! I’ve never watched so much sport in my life – but, it just seems different when its right here at home! I’m still getting some quilting done tho!  I had a great class at Quilters Haven on the wkend – can’t wait to see all the finished jackets.  I’ve taught this “design your own jacket” class in Moose Jaw to approximately 28 people in 4 separate classes – that’s 28 individual jackets for “show and tell”. Anyone interested?  I’m willing to travel to teach this class!!

I’m also excited to say that I had a jacket “juried” into Quilt Canada in Calgary.

I’m “grandparenting” in Winnipeg this week.  Bethany still sleeps in the afternoon, so I’m able to get some quilting done.  She would just love to get at my sewing machine – think we’ll leave that for a few years.  Her parents are in Italy – mostly eating Gelato by the sounds of it!!  Amanda will stay in Toronto on her way back and Tannis and I join her there.  They’re going to help me celebrate my birthday – we’re going to Jersey Boys, the garment district and will be in the Cityline audience (broadcast on Mar9, I think) and shop, shop!!!

Another jacket class! February 20, 2010

I’ll be teaching another “jacket” class at Quilters Haven today and tomorrow – looking forward to it – I’m sure it will be fun!

I’ve spent lots more time than ever before watching the Olympics (retirement is good!!)- I’m thoroughly enjoying it. In fact, I’m making a commission quilt with ties. I’ve been able to move my machine, iron, etc  right in front of the TV- quilting and the Olympics – what could be better!!! Go Canada

Encounters Canada February 10, 2010

What a great program for students – how come I haven’t heard of students from Moose Jaw going??  We’re seeing all the sights in Ottawa, lots of great programming and finally on Fri, I will get to skate on the canal!!  One drawback, which my quilting friends will understand.  There are no quilt shops around this area – so, I won’t get my fix this week!!

Ottawa: Encounters Canada February 6, 2010

I’m off to Ottawa tomorrow for Encounters Canada. I will be a volunteer chaparone (all expenses paid) for this program which is available to students all over Canada. Cheryl tells me its fun! It is my first time! The topic for this weeks is Arts and Culture. Anybody know of a quilt shop or two in Ottawa? – I guess I get some time off – so, will need to check out the sights!

Jacket class February 4, 2010

I just spent a great two days teaching a jacket class at the Quilters Haven in Moose Jaw.  There will be another class Feb 20-21. The jackets that were made aren’t quite finished – but, will be gorgeous when they are. It’s always amazing how several people can follow the same pattern, but, finish up with totally different garments.  Thanks again – I really enjoyed myself (and learned a few things too!!)