Monday, Monday.......

This little bit is for Elaine!...who kept asking when Libby would take down those two blocks, well Saturday night they multiplied when Libby came over to sew with Barb and I......
She decided to sign up for Sit & Sew Monday and now look what's happened! She's almost there......glad I left those blocks up! She plans to be back some time this week to finish it!

Kathy is working on Pinwheel, a pattern from the book Scrap Basket Surprises by Kim Brackett (which we just happen to have a few copies of in the store). It is absolutely gorgeous - the picture does not do it justice at all......

Sharon is showing off her Slash Your Stash quilt, completed! She had Sandy Lindal do the quilting on this and she did an amazing job!

We love showing off all the great projects you are all working on (mostly because I can't seem to get anything finished!!!!) I'm jealous! Hopefully now that my "house is in order" I can organize the rest of my life and get some quilting done!

Happy Quilting!

Jo-Ann

My favourite things........

Showing off what students have accomplished in our classes is one of the most rewarding aspects of owning a quilt shop......and Valentine Bargello taught by Carolyn Flood is one of my favourite quilts!

The first class was two weeks ago on Sunday June 14th and Carolyn had 8 students. The second class was today, to show them how to do the final borders of some amazing quilts - they all did their homework and each and every one of these quilts is stunning......

Two groups of 4 friends got together and filled this class, they had a great time and learned a great bargello technique.

If there's a class that you and your friends want to take that we offer and you can co-ordinate a day and time, give us a call and we'll be happy to see if we can accomodate you. This class started out as 4 people wanting to do the quilt and grew to 8 - it happens all the time and we're happy to change a date and time if we have an opening!

In the meantime,

Happy Quilting!

Jo-Ann

Back to the important stuff........

It's Saturday night and Barb and I decided to stay and sew with a few friends! After an impromptu dinner - roast chicken and potato salad from Sobey's with Kaiser Buns, Liz brought a salad and brownies! Laurissa should be here shortly and we're getting some long overdue UFO'S done. Libby is working on those blocks (you know the ones Elaine) so there may be more on the design wall soon???!!!!

I brought in some roses from my garden (the pink) and Liz brought us some beautiful flowers as well!


We thought we'd better let you all know about the new stuff before it disappears!
We got in the most gorgeous Mettler Polysheen Variegated Thread.....you really have to see it!



People have been asking for these rubber thimbles so although they look like a bottle of Jube Jubes - try one on and see if you like it!

.....and fabric! Remember that trip we took with George and Chester and George got all excited about FOOD, well, the artichokes have arrived.......
.....and the corn.......

......and the eggplants........

....and these peaches look good enough to eat!

We're adding them to the strawberries we got a couple of weeks ago and I am definitely going to get a pattern going with a food theme soon!

Well I have to get back to the brownies and coffee (maybe some quilting too!)....

Happy Quilting!

Jo-Ann

It's all about me......

Since the summer of 2006 when I was preparing to open the store my home has been in utter chaos! I cannot tell you how frustrating and depressing it has been to constantly come home to this mess and only add to it as the months passed. Last December I was motivated to start "putting my house in order" by Elaine's blog and got a bit of a start on it but could never manage to get the whole thing done at one time and so back we slid into utter chaos!

This past week I was "forced" to get it done! For a number of reasons, one being that I have family coming to visit shortly - I really had to take the bull by the horns and with the help of Jonathan (my son), my friend Richard and my saviour Barb (without a doubt working above and beyond the call of duty) we managed to plow through the debris....

I am now proud to present my home.......(the place where most of my quilting projects get done - or not - but at least they have a place to go)......

This is my front porch - where in the evening, if I'm at home I sit out and sip a coffee or a cold drink with friends! I've been known to bring my knitting or hand applique out there on occasion. It's really lovely on a nice summer evening and protected from the rain so we've watched a few storms from here!

This is my front door and Bosley is waiting to welcome you all inside for a peak........(note the gate so the "Big Brown Blob" can't get out).

As you walk in, to your left is the living room.....that coffee table was covered with books, magazines, quilting projects and mail.........
Oh my, there is actually a dining room table in this house???!!!! This was covered by two sewing machines and various works in progress, there were plastic containers piled all over the floor. I could actually have people over now and serve dinner - what a concept! I knew this room had another use!

To the right as you enter is the kitchen.......there are uncluttered countertops! Wow...this is new! (It is so cool to wake up to this!) Oops! I see freezer paper on top of the fridge - not something I use in the kitchen.......will have to remedy that!
This is the kitchen from the other side - which is the hallway to the bedrooms......
Just off the kitchen is my bedroom (a little too close for midnight snacks....) You may recognize the quilt - the Marti Michell Block of the Month that we did last year.....never thought it would get to the bed........there's an ensuite washroom in this room but the picture didn't turn out (too dark)!

This is the main floor washroom........needs an update but it works for us!

This is the guest bedroom (a little dark - need to get Barb to do the photos, I suck with the camera).....This was the room where everything got dumped! Laundry that needed to be folded on the bed, suitcases, extra bedding, quilt projects needing to be completed - I mean everything!

This is my den/office, where I am sitting right now typing this blog......I totally love this room and I can't tell you how much paper was strewn all over the place here - it was so depressing!

This is the landing to the back garden (a whole other project already underway).....The dresser there was piled high with "Bosley don't touch thats! Anything he had decided was a toy and wasn't, shoes, empty cans of cat food, newspaper, magazines, plastic bags, gloves.....you name it - it was on the pile (about 3 feet high). I think I even have a before picture of this one! We called it the Bosley sculpture!

Finally we go downstairs to the Studio - the second room in the house that I love......
The first picture was too dark so you don't get to see all the built-ins yet but I'm sure I will have occasion to post a pic when I'm working on something. Bosley is not allowed in the room so he's really having a good old time sniffing around.......

......and there on the design wall sits what is done of Country Haven! Now I can get back to business and get it done.........maybe tonight I will come home and enjoy my studio again!
This is the bar/pool room and beyond it is Jonathan's bedroom! The bed is piled high with "clean" clothes and there is a washroom in there too which is spotless! He's actually thrilled by all of this - just hope he stays that way.....

Even the laundry room got a good going over.........I was determined to get every inch of this house sorted out!

The storage closet off the laundry room got sorted too!

Just outside my studio is the "media" room - okay TV room! Pretty much Jonathan's private living room!

He hates all the trophies and baseball photos of him but I think he deserves the recognition for his short "career" as a T-Baller, Softball player and Baseball player.......

I hope you enjoyed the tour and thank you for your patience in allowing me to share my triumph! I honestly feel as if a huge weight has been lifted off of my shoulders and I've been walking around smiling for two days (Yesterday I took the day off to savor and enjoy the feeling of living in a clean, organized home)!

Bosley is baffled and Simon has run away for two days, came back this morning to eat but all in all this has been a wonderful experience! Thanks again for letting me share it with you (hmmmm......it's not as if you had a choice!)

Tomorrow will be about the boxes that arrived at the store yesterday and have yet to be unpacked!

Happy Quilting!

Jo-Ann

There's a new place in town.......

It is often interesting how we all spend our "down" time.....well Saturday night I spent mine on Bloor Street West and running to Home Depot to get last minute supplies for a new restaurant/juice bar that opened it's doors yesterday.

My friend Rich and his brother Johnnie are busy checking the electrical panel....
Cleaning.......

...and putting in the last of the ceiling tiles. It's located right next to the Bloor Cinema at 508 Bloor Street West and is being opened by the same family who owns Ghazele Restaurant on the other side of the cinema. You know that whatever they serve will be amazing because the food at Ghazele is great!

Sunday the store was hopping - Carolyn had 8 for her Valentine Bargello class and I really can't wait until they come back in two weeks because each and every one of these quilts is going to be gorgeous and no two will look alike.....

Everyone was focused and busy.......

Barb and I got Show and Share out on the cutting table too! Helen brought in two amazing quilts that she finished......the one below almost looks like 1" squares but is really done in strips......it's stunning!

This one is a curved piecing method with all tones of the beach and stones......

.....and look what she did on the back which she also pieced! You can really see the great quilting job she did also!

Then Cathy came by to get some backing for a quilt and pulled a couple of projects out of her bag.....The I Love Lucy Quilt! All from the I Love Lucy Fabrics and her long arm quilter (Cathy will fill in the name and location of this quilter for us) made up a quilting pattern with chocolates, hearts and the signature "L" which is amazing! We weren't able to get a good picture of that but trust me it is gorgeous!

This is the project she needed the backing for and found the perfect one!

We love it when you bring in your stuff! It inspires us, motivates us and just really makes our day!

Happy Quilting!

Jo-Ann

Been a couple of days........

It's been a couple of days since I blogged (maybe a little longer) but we've been busy bees here!

Virginia dropped by tonight to pick out a backing for a baby quilt she's making and also brought her "Little Brown Bird" blocks.....I couldn't resist taking a few pictures.......
She has sooooo many blocks done........

Each one is more beautiful then the next, if that is possible.......

The details are incredible! She's convinced me that we need to start a monthly applique group so look for something to happen in the fall........by all means if you are interested in something like An Applique Club let us know!

Okay, you can tell that I took this picture (Barb is just so much better with the camera) but I had to get the news out! Christmas is here! Nancy Halvorsen's new line - I Believe In Santa arrived and is out on the floor! (I said we've been busy) - The pattern books should be arriving next week so we will be all set for getting those gifts and decor items done in plenty of time this year!

The other thing that came in (besides, rulers, rotary cutters, pins, batting, etc.) were the RJR Rolls from Thimbleberrie's - and they are quickly exiting the door so come in while we still have some.......

The rolls are 5-1/2" x 22" strips of numerous fabric lines including Tuxedo and Subtle Solids. The were a special offer and I have priced them accordingly - works out to be $10.00 per metre - you can't beat that on these gorgeous fabrics.

Kathy and I will be here all day tomorrow and Barb and I will be in on Sunday for Carolyn's Valentine Bargello class so come on in and have a cuppa with us. Since I have lots of "book work" to do in the back it'll give me an excuse for a break!

Happy Quilting!

Jo-Ann

A busy day and a MUST SEE show!

I love the beginning of the month, especially the first Saturday and Sunday! The first Saturday is always Healing Heroes and the first Sunday is usually our "Private" Sit & Sew Day. Both groups produce amazing quilts and love to "Show and Share"....and we love to see what everyone produces! Below is Gail's cute little dress quilt....
....and here's Ann's Lakehouse quilt.......

Being the first weekend in June I couldn't resist making them some Strawberry Shortcake for dessert - no pics, it went too fast!

At 5:00 P.M. Barb and I took off to the Fibreworks opening reception and made it just in time. If you have the time YOU MUST go see this show. These are really a great bunch of talented fibre artists ------ It's at the Space Gallery at 1080 St. Clair Ave. West (at Lauder).

This is one of Marjorie Lamb's pieces, stunning!

The coat below is also one of Marjorie Lamb's - this picture does it no justice at all, it really is exquisite work......

Deborah Milton is so talented, I am just blown away by her stuff...

The one below is also Deborah's - it looks like a painting - it is so amazing!

Our own Carolyn Flood did this gorgeous piece below...what can I say!

This is also one of Carolyn's - she says she did it just sitting and watching TV! Wow!

This stunning piece is the work of Mical Pearlman - stunning!

I am not sure who's piece this was (need to take paper and a pen next time to take notes), so sorry, but it's one I fell in love with.... turns out it's Carolyn Flood's piece!

This one is Riali Wold's work and is completely three dimensional...

Again, if I had only taken a pen and paper I would know who did this stunning piece - I put in a call to Carolyn but have not heard back yet - I promise to update you as soon as I know...... this amazing piece is Roushelle Goldstein's......

Karen Wold submitted the next two pieces.........the first one was originally made for the York Heritage Challenge - Night and Day - an interesting twist to the theme...dieting!

The last piece is Pam Woodward's and is really beautiful! Hmmm - I was doing one of those (still working at it) and it looks no way as good as this one........

These photos in no way represent the whole show - we got there pretty late and only got to take a few photos. As they were preparing the show for viewing we actually saw a few pieces we had missed......seriously, this is a show you should definitely see if you can! There are quite a few artists represented and all of them have done amazing pieces!

Take a walk along St. Clair and have a look!

Just a reminder, in case you wanted to sign up - Carolyn Flood will be teaching her Valentine Bargello Quilt on the 14th (next Sunday) so if you've wanted to do this quilt - now's the time! It won't be back on the roster for awhile - she's got other great classes coming up too!

Happy Quilting!

Jo-Ann

7 more quilts.......

I told you these girls are industrious! They showed off 7 more quilts which are on their way to Ottawa and the Healing Heroes program.

They really have outdone themselves this month! It's wonderful to see the quilts that come in and know that we had some part in the making even if only donating the room! (Since the one thing they can't get enough of is batting I ordered them a whole roll which will be donated by Cock-A Doodle Quilts for the Healing Heroes program - won't they be surprised!)

Tomorrow we're looking forward to a great Show and Share from our monthly "Party Group" - they always have some great stuff!

I've been stuck in the back room doing the books all day and I am about to go back in to continue - it's all about the paperwork! I wish I could just do the quilting and forget about the books but alas I am told the government frowns on this!

Happy Quilting!

Jo-Ann

More great stuff.......

So, Tuesday night (Barb's day off) Barb stopped by and whipped up this fabulous table runner in about 3-1/2 hours! Talk about a great Holiday gift! Looks complicated but it's really "easy" - The pattern is called The Easy Striped Table Runner by The Quilt Company (Karen Montgomery)! We've kitted it! You'll really want to make more than one and if you've got any border prints in your stash that you don't know what to do with - this is definitely the pattern to try....

Now the books! We'll probably have to order more as they are very quickly disappearing but "Just Arrived", the new Kim Diehl book - Simple Comforts!

Folk Art Favorites from the talented Joined at the Hip pattern makers Tammy Johnson and Avis Shirer - some great patterns.

Last but not at all least - Bold and Beautiful by Judi Dains - Artful Quilts from Just One Fabric! I am drooling over this book - I just want to start something new right now! With everything I have to finish I have been banned from starting anything new! The girls are keeping my hands tied behind my back unless I am working on projects in progress! This book has really got me moving through projects quickly now so I can sink my teeth into something new and exciting.......

Healing Heroes will be here tomorrow (first Saturday of every month) and they are really getting those quilts done.....they are desperate for donations of batting (100% cotton), they produce the tops so quickly we can't keep up with the demand!

Come by and visit, the coffee's on, so's the tea and we might even find some cookies or snacks for you!

Happy Quilting!

Jo-Ann

And the winner is.........

As many of you know, on May 1st we started a new program in the store named the "UN-Bag Lady". If you bring your own or don't need one of ours you can put your name in the jar for a monthly prize draw! At 5:00 P.M. on Sunday May 31st, 2009 I drew the first name.......

......AND THE WINNER IS! Kathy Devins - one of our regular Monday ladies - who virtually never takes a bag.....

Being Monday - things were hopping as usual. Sharon is busy here helping Dorothy cut quilters flannel for an upcoming class....

.....Elaine is holding up the quilt she did for her daughter.

Dorothy's holding up one of three of Rochelle's quilts (Rochelle is hanging out behind it)....this one is a flannel laptop quilt.

This one she made for a friend , a queen size......(again she's hiding).....

...and last but not at all least is this gorgeous quilt. All of them were quilted by Joan Hug-Valeriote and they are all fabulous! (Rochelle is camera shy - hiding again!)

The quilt on the design wall is one of "ours", designed by (our) Barb Scott and pieced by Kathy Calder - I think we are going to call it Wiggles and Worms! We used the bug and worm fabric and it is just adorable.....
I really have to get my quilting gloves on now - there's a back-up of quilts that need to be done!

FYI - our ruler rack has been replenished as well as our cutting mats, rotary cutters and blades! Phew!!!!! We'll see how long that lasts.....and there's more coming! We also got in 3 new books which are totally amazing - stay tuned!

Happy Quilting!

Jo-Ann