Time to catch up again!

This will be a quick catch-up because I want to go home......it's late and I just finished teaching my Beginner Quiltmaking Class......we are on the home stretch!  Here's Marilyn's small Rail Fence project and there are more but I didn't get pictures of everyone's tonight......

Here the ladies are learning how to Machine Quilt, first with the walking foot and then a little free-motion,  Kathleen is asking a very important and relevant question (can't remember what it was????)

This morning I couldn't help myself and had to take a picture of my stunning roses.....aren't they gorgeous!  (Too bad they are in front of the fence where I can't see them from the porch....Rich will kill me if he reads this!)  It doesn't matter, I keep taking photos for posterity.....

Last night Jonathan and I went to my mom's for dinner - she made the most fabulous Chicken which if you ever hear me talk about her Sunday dinners is quite surprising!  We refer to them as the "burnt offerings".  Jonathan is coming in from the balcony after having chased the pigeons off yet again!  Seems he could actually have a full time job of that!  Hmmmm, there's an option - he could move in with my mother!  Usually you can see the CN Tower from her balcony but last night you couldn't even see the buildings next door....it was soooooo foggy!

Friday night we had our Applique Club meeting (Applecake Club) and it was a pretty full house as you can see.....

I am absolutely in love with block Suzi is working on.....for some reason the photo came out really yellow but the block is on a gorgeous green background - hopefully she'll bring it back again and I can get a better picture......

...and we put out a real spread of munchies, cheeses, bruschetta, humous, crackers and fruit and then topped it off with homemade spice cake and oatmeal raisincookies ( they tell me they come for the food.....)

I've been pretty busy too!  I got ALL the borders on my Sweet Tea (you'll have to wait for it) and have planned out the backing so I will be layering it up within the next couple of days.....I also started a "NEW" project which I will share once I've got it underway so stay tuned.....I cut all the pieces last night and even got one segment together......WOW!  I was really on a roll and now I want to go home and keep working on it but I am way too tired so I will just do some hand quilting!

Oops I almost forgot - I promised to show you all the amazing, gorgeous Homespuns (Yarn Dyes) that came in - they are just so fabulous!  I know I'm not supposed to but I have to have some for a quilt (for my mom - she will just love those colours!)....

You really have to see these in person to drool properly!

Happy Quilting!

Jo-Ann

Barb is an Idiot!

I cannot believe this actually happened, but it was brought to my attention tonight that the events calendar on our website was still showing January through May. I was horrified.

I raced to get the calendars done as soon as the newsletter was finalized and it seems I missed one rather crucial step.... actually sending them to our web service provider so they could be posted. GIANT DOH!!!

I just sent them off a few minutes ago and I hope they will be posted at the beginning of the week (or maybe sooner if Marc takes pity on my stupidity!).

My apologies for those of you who have been looking for the schedule for upcoming classes and events.

Happy Quilting,
Barb ... aka "The Idiot"

Making a list........

Making a list, checking it twice, gonna find out......oops wrong list!

I am A.D.D. (attention deficit disorder), seriously, I thought I would make a list of my UFO's but then I got sidetracked (it's really called avoidence)!  I'm also wondering what constitutes a UFO - I mean, does it count if you haven't started it yet?????

Here's my dilemma!  Some quilters pick up fabrics as they go, not necessarily knowing what project they will make....I used to do that too!  Some quilters would buy fabrics for specific projects - getting the yardage necessary for the whole project - I used to do that too!  So the dilemma is - do you count "those" projects if you haven't started them but you know what the fabric is for and it's all put away nicely and neatly ready for when you start it????

How exactly does this work!  I mean, I can't really make a list of ALL the projects that are UFO's until I know the answer to this question......ha, solved my problem!  Don't have to do the list yet!

I meant to take a picture of the NEW yarn dyes that came in the other day and I forgot (again - it's the A.D.D.!), got sidetracked marking the new books which I also forgot to take pics of.....Hmmm, I should make a list of the things I have to do (pictures to take, etc...)  That'll take care of the sudden urge to make a list!

Actually, by blogging I am avoiding the laundry and the Sweet Tea quilt which I brought home to work on......okay, enough of this!  I am going to stop prattling and go downstairs to do laundry and work on my quilt!  I only have until July 11th - the clock is ticking!  (I have all the tea cup blocks ready - just have to put them into the border).......

Hope everyone is having a good week - I know it's not easy this week but we shall perservere!  If you are looking for an escape the Applique Club meets tomorrow night at the store and Carolyn Flood is teaching Machine Quilting on Saturday.....

Happy Quilting!

Jo-Ann

See what happens!?!!

When I don't get a chance to blog I have to play catch-up!  It wasn't for lack of wanting to - it was that darn "time" thing again!  So much to do - so little time!

I don't really like blogging from home (which is where I am now) because the computer is too slow and usually it's really late by the time I can sit down to do it but tonight I decided to "bite the bullet" and go for it!

Last Wednesday night I had a brainstorm and stayed at the store to work on a little flannelette coverlet I designed on the fly.....we're going to kit it (once I get the pattern written up) along with two other colour ways.....

We've also kitted up PRE-CUT Flannel Rag Quilt Kits which are just waiting for patterns (tomorrow I hope) and pricing - That's right - already cut up into 10" squares - just add batting (or not) and away you go!

Thursday was our Sit & Sew day and look what the girls had for dessert!  It's a Chocolate Fudge Cake with Strawberry Filling.  Gotta love strawberry season!  I may even make Ice Cream this week!  (Nancy gave me a 100% today for lunch - Tossed Salad with Cheese and Grilled Veggie Panini's and of course this fabulous dessert.....)

Dorothy dropped by to get more fabric to duplicate a quilt she made for her sister.  Her husband saw it and told her she can't give it away!  I really can't blame him - it's a really beautiful quilt!

She also showed off her Grandma's Stars - the class she did with Sandy Lindal.  This quilt is so great for scraps and it just comes out fabulous!  Love those Prairie Points on the border too.....

We've got some great new fabrics in which we put out on Friday - Garden Song by Nancy Halvorsen!  Check out the great display Nancy did for the Panel!  She's so creative!

Saturday was Block of the Month day and Christmas Club (our $10.00 quilt).  The girls are doing fabulous with their blocks (and note Elaine's Tim Horton's cup in the lower right hand corner)......it's Hot Chocolate!  You have to wonder how she does it - must be all that bike riding!

In the afternoon I was whisked away (in that heat) to go get vegetables and herbs for the back garden which Rich decided needed to be planted (in that heat)!  So we got tomatoes, eggplant, red pepper, green pepper, cucumber, lettuce and cantaloupe (I have never had any luck with melons but we decided to try it anyway).  As far as herbs, there's sage, rosemary, flat leaf parsley, curly parsley, curly mint, dill, chives, basil and oregano.  I've always had pretty good luck with the herbs so we'll see!  He spent 3 days preparing and rebuilding the flower bed so I sure hope it bears some "fruit"!

Today was Sit & Sew and Linda Robertson dropped by with a bunch of customer quilts.  Gillian got two of hers back and they are both just stunning - great quilting too!

Rochelle showed off her new shower curtain for the cottage which she just finished - it's adorable......

....and the "piece de resistance" is the quilt Linda brought back for me!  You remember the Redwork quilt that Sharon stitched and I pieced.......here it is - all quilted and what a spectacular job......

Check out Linda's quilting - I just handed her the top and let her decide what to quilt on it - it is FABULOUS! (as usual)

It looks fabulous from the back too........

Okay I am off to bed shortly - I have to open up tomorrow morning and I'm on my own so if you feel like coming in for a visit, by all means, come on by - I'll put the coffee on and we can have a great time!

Happy Quilting!

Jo-Ann

Wednesday June 16th, 2010

Since Barb went to the trouble of taking and downloading the photos for me I have an obligation to blog tonight before I go home.....I told her to make sure they were there so I could put them on the blogm and she did!  So I am now struggling with reading what I am writing since I don't have my glasses and was actually on my way out the door when I remembered what I said!

The last couple of days have been extremely productive (I'm somewhat on a roll!) and we've got alot of new things happening at Cock A Doodle....kits are just one of them!

Barb did up this adorable bright baby quilt with the Crazy 8's pattern and we've kitted it up for you......

Here are the fabrics -

We've also got some new fabric in which I will take pics of once it's marked and out on the shelves - some great Spring/Summer stuff to tempt you with!  Trust me - it will be hard to resist, I know because I couldn't resist it when I bought it.

Just finished cooking and baking up a storm again but I have found that getting ahead of the game is the key to my productivity so I am trying to continue it.....

We'll see - in the meantime I am going home to relax and watch my two favourite men - John Stewart, The Daily Show and Stephen Colbert, The Colbert Report.  Love their satirical take on the days' news......

Happy Quilting!

Jo-Ann

June 13, 2010

Who was I kidding?!!!  I actually thought I was going to finish a quilt top tonight!

Today was our BOM - Sweet Tea and if you read the blog you will now that before this class started (March 2010) I had the centre of the top done - that means all the teapot blocks.  The following class (April 2010) I had managed to get the first border on......The next class (May 2010) nothing!  However I did have all of the teacup blocks cut up and partially sewn so I was definitely on my way.....

Since I was so organized today and lunch was basically a matter of a little cooking and then serving I set up my machine to sew with the class.  This is a very unusual occurance as most of my customers wonder when I ever get to do any quilting.....I managed to put the teacup blocks together with the saucers and the connecting blocks together with their borders, that was about it.

After running out to the grocery store yet again for one last forgotten item which I needed for tomorrow's lunch, I decided to have dinner at the store and continue working on my borders.....I got the second border on....

I pressed all of the teacups and connecting blocks and have now put all the handles on and attached the connecting blocks to the teacup blocks only to realize that I have to do my blanket stitching around the teacup handles before I piece the teacup border - oh well, I tried......

I have now figured out why I never seem to get anything done!  This particular "project" is a store sample.  The first snag occurred when the fabrics arrived very late for me to start, but, I worked diligently and got all of the blocks done in about 2 weeks (I think I blogged it back in February). It was ready to show the girls in the class how to do the blocks......that was fine.  It was immediately put aside and forgotten while I went on to work on the next "rush" project, I think it was the Mystery Quilt for April, which was replaced by the next project on the list......etc., etc., etc.!

It's no wonder we all find ourselves with UFO's (Unfinished Objects)!  It's also no wonder we constantly resolve to finish those UFO's.  Well - let's see if I can actually do just that!  I resolve to finish Sweet Tea by the next class which is July 11th, 2010!  (Easier said than done of course!)  Maybe since it's in red - I will feel the urgency of this resolution!

As an aside I would like to mention BORDERS!  Working on a quilt like this, it is extremely important that measurements are accurate.  The one thing I love about The Quilt Company patterns is that the instructions are constantly reminding you of the measurements of your quilt top.  Each section is clearly defined.

When I first learned to quilt I was never told the tricks of putting on borders and so, like so many quilters, I would finish my quilt top centre and "slap" on the borders.  I would just cut and piece my border, without taking any care to measure the top, sew on the border and then cut it to fit the top as it was.  Guess what - Wonky Borders!  I can't tell you how many wonky borders I had! 
They become even more evident after you've quilted them......I mean really wavy! 

Barb was watching me do this one day (about 3 years ago) and gasped!  She said, "Don't you measure???"  I looked at her like she was crazy and said - "Why would I do that - I just fit it to the top!"

She immediately gave me a lesson on borders which I am happy to report now forms an important part of my Beginner Quiltmaking class.  Measure your quilt across at the centre of the quilt, measure across at the bottom and top of your quilt - take the smallest measurement and cut your border pieces to that measurement, pin (yes I said PIN!) both ends and then every 4" in between easing the quilt top as you go to fit the border.  Do the same thing for the sides remembering to measure the centre first top to bottom.....do this for each border you ad!  This virtually eliminates the Wonky Border.....

Hope this helped, I know it works for me!

Happy Quilting!

Jo-Ann

June 12, 2010

Wow - what a fabulous day! (Okay the weather wasn't the greatest - I agree!)  But, in the store, well let's just say it was a hubbub of activity.

Anita Zobens of Cotton Mill Threadworks was here with The Open Thread Bar and the girls had a fabulous class - not to mention a great introduction to Superior Threads.  She got here about 9:30 a.m. to set up and class started at 10:30 a.m. sharp.  If you keep up with the blog, you will remember that I took this class way back in February through the guild I belong to and I was blown away - nothing's changed, she blew me away again today - with even more information.

The girls worked very hard and after a short lunch break were back at work up until 5:00 P.M..

If you missed this class, not to worry, Anita will be back again on Tuesday october 13th, 2010 to do it again!  Everything you ever wanted to know about thread - Anita will tell you!  Check out her Newsletter and website at http://www.cottonmillthreadworks.com/ .

Even better news - Anita will be in to teach on Saturday September 25th, 2010 - Applique Buffet - another one of her fabulous classes.  You won't want to miss this great class on "all you need to know" about machine applique.  I'm pretty sure I'll be reserving one of the spaces for "Sonia" (my Janome) and I.

Tomorrow is our Block of the Month - Sweet Tea so I have to go prep the classroom and put some finishing touches on the lunch menu.  Then I think I'll just relax with my hand quilting.......

Happy Quilting!

Jo-Ann

Friday June 11, 2010

There was alot of activity today in and out of the store!  We're getting ready for tomorrow's Open Thread Bar with Anita Zobens......the class is full and Anita will be bringing her full array of Superior Threads with her.  The class is from 10:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. so if you'd like to stop by and see what she has for sale, by all means, please do.

Nancy was busy today setting up our front window and she did a great job featuring all the "manly" fabrics.... check them out.....

I was busy shopping, cooking and baking!  We've got a full schedule the next 3 days and I wanted to get ahead of the game!  (Novel concept that!)  I even got a little work done on my Wagon Wheel Block for my Underground Railroad Quilt.  I'm so relaxed that Barb and I are heading off to my house for a couple of barbecued burgers and some homemade coleslaw.....mmmmmm good!

Oh yes, and I almost forgot, we got in some fabric which is now priced and out on the colour wall.....It's some of Nancy Crow's fabulous Crush - here are the pictures of the colours we got in so far.....I went for the unusual, hard to match  colours first!

That's about all that's new and I really wanna get home to the porch, so......

Happy Quilting!

Jo-Ann

Thursday June 10, 2010

As promised there was Strawberry Shortcake last night at the guild meeting and I'm happy to say I got to take home an empty cake plate.......

I also came back to the store and finished my 6" version of my Churn Dash block for my Underground Railroad quilt.  At least something was accomplished yesterday........

Today was Sit & Sew and Myrna is working on a beautiful quilt which she allowed me to photograph even though it isn't quite finished.

Raili was banging her head against the wall with a pattern for Golf Club Covers but with Linda's help she got the hang of it.....Linda is still at it, quilting her Pumpkin Patch.  Annadel is working on her fan quilt.  Anne is working on her Dear Jane and I actually didn't get a close look at what Susan and Chris were doing.....but a great time was had by all and I think they all got alot accomplished.

After a lunch of burgers with coleslaw and potato salad I decided a special dessert was in order.......de ja vu!

When I left the house this morning Richard said he was going to finish up the planting of all that wonderful stuff we ran out to buy Tuesday evening.  If you remember I had to do a drive by Tuesday night to make sure everything was in the right spot.  He only got 2 plants , Hostas, in the ground by the time it got dark so he and Jonathan moved all the plants under the table on the patio for shelter against yesterday's storm.......

So, before I left I asked him if he needed me to place the plants where they should go......"no, I know where you want everything!" was the response.....so that would be why everything is in the wrong spot!  Oh well, actually I can live with it although I really, really wanted the roses in front of the porch where they would be visible while sitting outside......not to mention the scent!

He's almost finished this side of the garden and he wants to do a small bed in front of the windows on the left side as well but I highly doubt that will get done today.....

My "darling" son got the hint and pulled out the hedge trimmer!  He got about one-third done when he severed the electric cord!  Leave it to him!  Ahhh well, can't finish!  Not so - Rich just went and got another cord out of the shed and said - go to it!

He got tired awfully quick and is busy taking a break here!

Rich spent all of last week spray painting the railing and then putting a StoneCrete finish on the floor and stairs of the porch.  The house is really beginning to look great!  It's amazing what a little paint and TLC will do for anything!  I so enjoy coming up the walkway and seeing how nice and clean and fresh it looks......

This evening I'm going to try to get another couple of blocks done on my Underground Railroad and then go home and have a "set" on the porch - maybe bring my lamp back out and do some hand quilting.......it's such a lovely evening.....

Happy Quilting Everyone!  (Gardening too!)

Jo-Ann

Nancy's comment.....

Nancy's comment has prompted me to act!  She's right, I have taken too long and there's so much to tell!  What can I say - I get busy and by the time I remember to blog, well, days have just flown by!  I mean really, it's June already - where did February, March, April and May go?????...and I still can't keep up.....

So - what's new???  Well we had a wonderful weekend and were very happy to be included in a Shop Hop for the Alliston Guild ladies on Saturday.  The bus driver was thrilled because she had the whole parking lot to park in.....The girls came in and shopped their hearts out - half shopped while the other half were treated to a Sashiko workshop and I think they all enjoyed themselves.....

Sunday was our "Private Party" Sunday and the girls did not dissapoint.....Gail finished her jacket.....

Christina was working on her cat quilt.......

Cathy finished a "doggie" mat for her little guy so he won't slop water onto the kitchen floor....

...and I'm not sure who the tablerunner belongs to.....

I can't show you anything from Monday because they were all working on their Border Creek Station Mystery quilts and that will just have to wait for our "BIG REVEAL" in September.  However, I can tell you one thing, they are all different and they are all AWESOME!

Monday night I taught my Beginner Quiltmaking class and I am getting very excited because they are doing great - can't wait to show you some of their accomplishments in the near future.....

Last night was Underground Railroad Club and I actually got to sit down and sew - a rare picture these days!  But, I am determined to get my Underground Railroad Quilts done (I am doing two, one in 12 inch blocks and another in 6 inch blocks - simultaneously no less!) before Nancy changes the name of the club in the fall!  Of course I can't just Sit & Sew - never happens, first Rich showed up and dragged me off to buy plants for the garden which he had intended to get planted last night (yeah right!), and then I had to run back to the house after Barb came and got me to make sure he was putting them in the right spots! ....and THEN I got to sit down and sew for an hour!  No wonder I can't get anything done!  All these interruptions!

Now, although we call it the Underground Railroad Club, some of us are working on other projects!  For instance, Fiona saw a quilt in The Quilt Sampler magazine (which I also fell in love with) and made this gorgeous quilt top......

And, she added a polka dot ribbon to the border for fun.......

 

....and Elaine came by today to drop off the Liberty Jacket sample - I have no words - it is gorgeous!  Check it out.......I'm jealous!  I might even do this one if there's any room left in the class......

There's still a few spots left so give us a call to reserve!  We have one spot left in Saturday's (June 12th) Open Thread Bar because someone dropped out at the last minute if anyone is interested.....

Don't forget Carolyn is teaching Machine Quilting on June 26th and I haven't checked but I think there are a few spots left.

Okay, gotta go make some Strawberry Shortcake for my Guild meeting tonight (we're having a June Social) so I'm off but the plan is to come back later and work on my quilt.......maybe!  Of course, it's not like I don't have 1,001 projects at home I can work on.......

Happy Quilting!

Jo-Ann