Cock-A-Doodle Quilts

Sharing!

2012-02-06T19:55:00.000-05:00

That's really what it's all about! This blog has a few quilts I wanted to share that I've been collecting pictures of....

Yesterday was our Super Bolt Sunday along with a Sit & Sew. It was a blast!!! Everyone had a wonderful time and the store was hopping!!! The food was great - if I do say so myself! So good in fact - I served it again today for lunch and the girls loved it!

Pulled Pork Sandwiches with Cole Slaw and Potato Chips

Last week Elaine finished up this fabulous quilt top. The colours are so rich looking, the quilt just pops! I took this photo last week and today it went off to Sandy Lindal to be quilted (I think?!?!) The fabrics are from a kit that Elaine purchased and it really is spectacular.....

This is Shirley's quilt. It's a One Block Wonder and she brought it to show me and to pick out borders. She wanted me to see how it turned out since way back in May I helped her pick the original fabric....I absolutely love it! If you click on it, you will get a closer picture......

Sandy came by to drop off Gillian's quilt, all quilted! If I remember correctly, I think she picked it up on Friday or Saturday. She did an amazing job with the quilting (as usual) - now Gillian and I are going to scallop the edges - it will be stunning! If you click on it you may be able to see the quilting pattern a little better.....

There's quite alot of changes going on still at the store. Hopefully I will be done by Thursday for the Open House. Hope you will all be dropping by to see what's going on and sign up for some great classes, they are filling up fast so stop procrastinating!!! Just kidding, that would be me!

Off to take advantage of my day off and get some quilting done! Back on Wednesday.....

Happy Quilting!

Jo-Ann

February already!!!

2012-02-01T18:22:00.000-05:00

Before I get into some changes in the store which are happening daily at this point, I want to share a quilt with you! Andie made this one and to say that is stunning is not giving it enough credit.....

Bear's Paw Lap Quilt

Check the "flying geese" prairie points

and the prairie points on the bear's paw blocks

The pattern comes from the book Prairie Point Pizzazz by Karen Sievert. We've still got a few copies left. The quilts are absolutely gorgeous! Come in and check out the book.

Now for what's happening at the "Doodle"! I spent the day setting up our "holiday" corner, where everything is 30% OFF. The rest of the store looks like it was hit by a tornado because there are other things happening as well which I will share as they get done!

Our new Holiday Corner

I've also decided to sell some of our store samples. Most of them are made from fabrics or panels that are no longer available. They are all very reasonbly priced and reside in the "Holiday Corner".

Poinsetta Advent Calendar - $35.00

Cardinals Advent Calendar - $35.00

I Believe Quilt - Lap Size - $100.00

Merry Christmas Quilt - Large Lap Size - $225.00

Stay tuned for what's next on the agenda......I'm feeling quite frisky so I'm making lots of changes - can't wait to share them with you all!

Happy Quilting!

Jo-Ann

Join us!!!!

2012-01-26T18:01:00.000-05:00

Tomorrow evening is the first 2012 meeting of the Applique Club (or as Jonathan named it - the Applecake Club)!

We call it Applique Club but we've been known to take on some knitting and crocheting, a little beading and hand embellishing as well as english paper piecing, so basically it's the - "as long as there isn't a machine involved" club!!!

Join us for a light dinner and dessert and some great conversation as well as a few laughs......

Hoping to see you there!

Happy Quilting!

Jo-Ann

Focus!!!

2012-01-22T19:29:00.000-05:00

Focus is the "key" word for 2012! So while I was focussing - 3 weeks went by! Ahhhhh! but what am I focussing on! The store and the 300 bolts of additional fabrics that have arrived along with a MEGA sale that is now going on in the store.

I would love to see it all gone so I can order loads of new stuff!!!!

I am also focussed on the Newsletter this week! Last year slowed me down a little so I admit to being a "bit" behind but, we are now all ready to come back and offer a great array of classes for the coming few months and we are already planning for the Spring newsletter as well.....

We are going to try our best to plan far enough ahead that I will "catch up" with what's been falling behind.....

Hopefully you all got the e-mail announcing the sale - it's on until Thursday so you still have a few days to shop! See you soon!

Happy Quilting!

Jo-Ann

Counting down!!!!

2011-12-31T17:54:00.000-05:00

I wanted to wish you all a very, very, Happy, Healthy and Safe New Year!!!! I also wanted to say that I hope you all have had a wonderful Holiday Season and I wish you everything you wish for yourselves in the coming year.

As I'm sure you are all aware I am going to be very happy to see the end of 2011 and am looking forward to a wonderful 2012! On that note, I will say that I have been a bit preoccupied with catching up on everything that has to be done and the newsletter for 2012 is a BIT behind!!!! I will be working towards getting something out within the next two weeks but for the present time, our clubs and Sit & Sews are still ongoing and you can sign up by phone or in person.

There's also alot in the planning! Can't wait to share all the new ideas and plans for 2012 but for now, just have a great holiday weekend!

Happy Quilting!

Jo-Ann

Words fail me!!!!

2011-12-18T00:18:00.000-05:00

Before I share with you the reason why words fail me, I will do a little catching up....All the "Special Orders" arrived on Thursday so I spent the day pricing, etc. Last night was our monthly Friday night Sit & Sew, where many of us catch up on each others lives. Condolences go out to Linda who's sister passed away this week, losing her long and brave struggle with cancer. Our thoughts are with you Linda.

On a happy note Barb celebrated her 29th Birthday again so I baked a cake, nothing too extravagant - I haven't gotten back into the cake decorating as of yet....

Like I said - nothing fancy!

For fire safety reasons we didn't put ALL the candles on the cake.....

Barb had no trouble blowing out these...

Now I will share the reason I am speechless!!!! First a little history......This is our second year of Christmas Club and this year's pattern was Welcome to the North Pole!!!! The participants had their reveal party today along with a wonderful brunch courtesy of Linda who attended every month but, not being an avid appliquer, was a bit hesitant to participate! It was a lovely gesture on her part and even I enjoyed preparing it - she picked up the bagels.......

Bagels, cream cheese, Lox (smoked salmon) and eggs, fruit and vegetable platters.....

They all had a lovely meal....

Then it was time to reveal the quilts - we entertained a few guests for this!!!!

This explains why words fail me -

Kristen's masterpiece!

Check out the details....

Marlene's masterpiece...

Check the details.....

The ladies shop - in the centre....shoes on the first floor!

The quilt shop - complete with quilts....

Here's Judith's.......almost done!

This is Flo's - another masterpiece in the works......

Here's Mary's - sensational and completed, the binding's even on!

A friend knit her the hat for the top of the building.......

Mary's a bit of an over achiever - she did two quilts, the binding isn't on the second one yet.....

I'm sure she'll have it done shortly - two sets of grandchildren, so two quilts!

This one belongs to Nancy, she had some design help from her niece.......the bakeshop (pink cupcake)!

Check out the Fire House.......

...and here's Kathy's, bright colours just popping.....

Check out the lime green house - fabulous!

Raili's came out fabulous too - and she was up until 3:45 A.M. to put in the last stitch!

Check out the North Pole Casino....

The Las Vegas Pin......

The North Pole sign has a poker chip on top!!!!!

This is Karen's, the top is done, complete with polar bears surrounding the North Pole.....and pregnant reindeer (you had to be there!!!)....

even her backgrounds are fabulous........

This is Linda's Christmas quilt - which explains why she "catered" the brunch!!!! You actually have to complete the blocks Elaine chooses each month to do the quilt for only a $10.00 charge......This is actually a mystery quilt which Linda did and completely redesigned!!! I love it!

Last but not at all least is Beth's, really colourful and loads of embellishments!!!!

How do I know that they had a great time doing this year's quilt - simple, they've all booked in for next years Christmas Quilt Club......it's going to be another fabulous offering!!!!! Actually there are two to choose from....

Hope you all enjoyed the quilts!

Happy Quilting!

Jo-Ann

We had a ball!!!

2011-12-15T18:25:00.000-05:00

Last night we were honoured to be a part of the Yorkshire Rose Quilt Guilds annual Christmas Meeting, along with Art Quilts and Log Cabin Quilts. They invited us all to set up a small Merchant's Mall at their meeting and included us in their Christmas Pot Luck and festivities. It was delightful and Laurissa and I had a great time with a great group of ladies.

I'm not sure who that is "manning" the booth, oops, it's me!!! Great hairdo there!!! I truly don't recognize myself - Laurissa was taking the pictures.....

One of our best sellers last night was the Clover Needle Dome - I'm pretty sure I've mentioned it before but it's one of those gadgets that when you look at it - you wonder, what do I need that for, until you have one and then it's more like - how did I live without this thing!!! Last night we sold out except for the one we had left in the store which, by the end of the night was spoken for and in fact, was picked up today.....with an order for 3 more!!!!

I have two stashed away, one for my applique and one for binding quilts! They are usually both in use - although, at the moment I have nothing to bind - I take that back I have a binding that needs resewing, so I will have to fill it again......

If you have seen this item and want one, or would like a demonstration - just ask when you're in the store. I will be placing an order early in the New Year so get your name in if you want one.....

In the meantime - I would like to thank the ladies at Yorkshire Rose for a wonderful and very enjoyable evening!!!! (Can we join your guild!!!) What a great group and extremely active too - lots of charity work and great ideas!!!!
Kudos ladies.....and as always,

Happy Quilting!

Jo-Ann

3rd Annual!

2011-12-13T21:38:00.000-05:00

It appears this is the month for the Pot Lucks and the Sew Many Quilts, Sew Little Time Monday group had theirs yesterday!!!! Oh my what a feast - from stuffed pork to meatballs, to quiche and tortierre and 3 kinds of salad along with punch, desserts to die for - it was absolutely delicious!

This is the 3rd year they've put on the Pot Luck and they outdo themselves each year - of course, then there's the Secret Santa gift exchange which is so much fun - you even get to steal a gift if you want.....here we are just having a great time together......

Leeann starting off the festivities.....

Elaine opening a great gift.....

Gail our resident photographer getting ready to shoot.....

Gail shooting me shooting her......

Gillian making a tough choice......

It was a great party and we all had a wonderful time, I'm not sure we got alot of sewing done......

Last week Sandy came by with another quilt for AAjfe - her Turning Twenty which really looks fresh in blues and yellows!!!!

Here's an up close of the great quilting Sandy does!!! She does a fabulous job - this one's an allover design but you should see her custom stuff!!! Phenomenal!!!

One of my customers came by this weekend with a great quilt idea!!!! She took a large piece of silk and quilted her dad's ties onto it!!! They are all silk ties - she is going to use silk batting and backing - I thought it was really cool not to mention a great keepsake for the family......

There's alot happening at the store - we're "renovating", rearranging and getting ready for a little Merchant Mall we're doing on Wednesday December 14th at the Yorkshire Rose Quilters Guild at their meeting.

We're also getting ready for the GREAT REVEAL of this year's Christmas Club Quilts on Saturday December 17th at 11:00 A.M. - we'll be introducing next year's choices for the Christmas Club......there are two this time! (They couldn't agree on just one - lol) Come and join us for the REVEAL - there might be a cookie and a cup of tea for you there too!

I've got a lot to do before then so I'm off to get it all done!

Happy Quilting!

Jo-Ann

P.S. Big announcement coming soon!!!!!

Seems to me.......

2011-12-04T17:35:00.000-05:00

...there's always something happening in the classroom these days! Today my Sunday ladies showed up for the day and there was a "special" birthday too!!!!

Here they are all busy working away but as always we want to see some Show & Share.....

Cathie has been busy this month and got a Christmas quilt top done from a kit she bought.....

Here's her and Gail showing off her new tablerunner....sorry Cathie, I cut off your head!!! (You guys know I can't take pictures....

Okay - tablerunner with Cathie - with head!

...and again! Cathie with a mantle cover which is quite stunning.....

Ginger was also major busy.....this an x-mas gift for her mom, second time she's done this pattern and she says it's the last, but I think it's a great "go to" pattern for a quick quilt.....

She also finished up a charm square baby quilt which is adorable!...and sooooo easy to make up! If you've got any of those charm squares lying around, this is a great way to use them up!

We were also celebrating Gail's birthday today!!!! So Christina ran off in the middle of the day to snag this cake.....and she blew out the candles (she's 39!!!) NOT!

....Then came the gifts, from Mom she received a great Amy Bradley pattern Merry Christmas!

Christina bought her a lovely new robe which she modeled......

....Cathie gave her a gorgeous scarf, mauve and silver......

...and a very cool scarf hanger which looks like a butterfly! They are all going out to dinner at Zorro's Steakhouse out by the airport and I'm sure it will be a very memorable birthday!

On the right is Cathie's tree skirt she's working on and on the left is Donna's gorgeous batik, because while we were all gabbing and eating and carrying on some people were actually working on their quilts! LOL Only kidding, aside from me, everyone got something done today......

On that note - I have the kitchen to clean up so I can cook tomorrow, the classroom to tidy and "Sonia" and my quilt to pack up so they can go back home again - there's never any room nor time for me to sew on Monday's so no point in leaving my "darling" Janome here! Besides I might actually get some sewing done tonight - we'll see!

December 3rd, 2011

2011-12-03T18:47:00.000-05:00

Why the date? Well this is the last meeting of the year for "Healing Heroes" - Quilts of Valour and as is the custom, the ladies put on an amazing Pot Luck Lunch. I am only allowed, as per Virginia, to contribute my smile, my sense of humour and my appetite! I didn't have a problem there!

As you can see by the picture(s), the food was awesome - by 1:30 P.M. we all could have done with a short nap!!!! Virginia's Broccoli Salad, Andi's Chicken Paprikash Crepes, Pat's Cheese and Crackers, Jayne's Deviled Eggs, Joan's Waldorf Salad and all the Spinokota(sp.), and the great meatballs! It was all good and waiting in the wings were Judy's Butter Tarts and other goodies along with Annadel's Fruit Platters......a nap, seriously a nap!

It's hard to believe that this Pot Luck Lunch marks the 3rd Christmas lunch we've all shared. Heroes is starting it's 4th year with us and I just got an e-mail from Pat stating that their contribution is 188 QUILTS to date!
They are amazing - all of them and all of you who come by to drop off those amazing quilts from your hearts and hands!!!!

Bill dropped by this morning with a car load of fabric for Heroes and everyone got busy sorting through it all - there are pre-made blocks and cut strips and all kinds of goodies including what we term as "bag" fabric - that's fabric we can make bags to put the quilts in from! Not 100% Cotton, designer fabrics, heavier cottons, that sort of thing!

I guess it was a day for sorting p Pat pulled everything out of the back room and sorted through it and repacked it! They do this at least once a year and today was as good a day as any to clean out and re-sort, especially with all of the goodies Bill brought with him.....

We are really looking forward to starting a new year of Healing Heroes on Saturday January 7th, 2012!

On that note I would like to introduce our new "Mascot" quilt to you....Andi was in the mood to do an applique quilt and found this set of patterns I had on the pattern rack - she fell in love with the pattern but says she has no where to hang it so it has to hang in the store.....I, of course, agreed! So, hanging now behind the front desk is Andi's version of Country Cluckers!

It's one of those quilts you have to see in person, so you'll just have to come by and have a look, and maybe a cup of tea and some cookies!!!!

Happy Quilting!

Jo-Ann

and more Retreat!

2011-11-28T17:42:00.000-05:00

Friday started off great! Breakfast was served promptly at 10:00 a.m., nothing special - just yogurt and cereals and then the work began.....

Andi's working on her incredible 1" quilt - each block is 1" - she gets donations from all the quilters at Cock A Doodle and so far I don't think she's put a repeat fabric in yet......close to 5,000 squares.....and growing!

Liz managed to get the borders on to this quilt so next step is layering and quilting......

Lunch was tuna sandwiches with a side of potato chips and dessert were custards that Gillian so kindly brought......Dinner was Spaghetti with Meat Sauce, Salad and Garlic Bread...but we had to save a plate for Karen who was off belly dancing so I held dessert for her return - it was so good I couldn't get a photo fast enough. I baked a white cake and then iced it while it was still warm with chocolate icing - to die for!

After dinner we had a visitor....Missy was allowed to come in and join us for the rest of the evening and she behaved like a little lady. She even brought her own toys......

However, she wanted to help Gillian sew so forced her to share the chair! I thought this was absolutely priceless!!!

Saturday, Annadel joined the crowd and complete the borders on her quilt....the girls are busy smoothing it out, but it's ready to be layered and quilted......

Looks fabulous but you really have to see it in person - the lighting just takes away from the colouring......

Barb also joined us on Saturday and got the borders on her quilt - just layer and quilt again!

Karen and Raili brought me some gifties! The tea light holder which may soon become a pin cushion - hmmm! The crystal which needs to be blessed and hung in the window and the bendable rooster which is now my personal "Mascot" - his name is Rory and he will reside with my hand-piecing bag!!!! This way he can urge me on......

Here he is again, cursing at the Gutterman so I don't have to - it was knotting like crazy but once he had a word with it I think it got a little better......

Of course, Laurissa's area is all organized and clean.....unlike everyone else! We have all just taken over the classroom and as much space as we can spread out in....well, isn't that what it's all about!!!! I have to admit she didn't take up much space and still managed to get three balls and a baby quilt top done.....will have to get pics of the balls, they are really cool!

Breakfast on Saturday was the same as Friday - Lunch was one of my absolute favourites, Grilled Cheese and Tomato Soup, but dinner was the absolute best - American Thanksgiving - Stuffed Turkey, Mashed Potatoes, Corn, Green Beans with Mushrooms, Cranberry Sauce and Flaky Butter Rolls - it was sooooo good!!!! Liz stopped at the bakery and picked up Raspberry Rhubarb Pies for dessert which were outstanding - warmed with vanilla ice cream - mmmmmm!!!

Sunday was the last day so everyone was rushing to get things done and I was busy in the kitchen - Brunch was served around 1:00 P.M. - my infamous pancakes with sausages, side of apple butter and/or syrup! They went pretty fast......sorry no pics to make you drool!

The girls left around 5:00 P.M. and I stayed to prep lunch for tomorrow and continue my own retreat while my Turkey Soup simmered on the stove.....

What did I get done???? I actually accomplished something for a change, I managed to finish all of my flowers for Lithia Park so they are ready to be appliqued onto their stems, etc. and I stayed to cut blocks for a quilt I have designed......

All in all it was a fabulous weekend! We all had a great time and everyone seems to be pleased with what they accomplished! I wish I had accomplished a little more but I was also doing the cooking, etc. after all! Thanks to all the girls for their help in the kitchen and with all the store clean up!

Happy Quilting!

Jo-Ann

Retreat!!!!

2011-11-26T21:28:00.000-05:00

I have to admit I have been looking forward to this weekend with great anticipation! First, I'm proving to myself I am ready for a marathon 4 day quilt retreat, including all the preparation and cooking that goes into it! Needless to say, Laurissa has volunteered to be my clean up crew and has been amazing!!!! I barely put the pot down and it's washed and put away - gotta love it - I'm not exactly on top of the messes I make when I'm "in the kitchen zone"!!!!

Before I share the retreat with you I want to go back to Monday Sit & Sew and share three fabulous quilts -

Gillian made this quilt from seeing a photo - Wow! right!

Gillian's Quilt - Quilted by Sandy Lindal (gorgeous quilting of course!)

Gillian designed this quilt around some Owl Fabric she picked up and it's pretty cool stuff!

Gillian's Owl Quilt

Helen made this fabulous baby quilt - it's in her Baby Quilt Cupboard, she's trying to get ahead of all the new babies so she has one ready for the next gift.....

Notice the Prairie Point border.......

Helen's Quilt

Now we can continue with our 4 day Retreat! Started out with 2 participants so I thought I'd have an easy ride! Whoa - we are suddenly up to 8 but still having a great time - actually that's probably why we are having such a great time!!!!

This Retreat offically started on Thursday at 6:00 P.M. after Sit & Sew but some people got a head start and were here Thursday as well..... Gail was here Thursday working on Pillow Covers and putting the binding on her quilt which is a gift - absolutely stunning fabrics......

Raili, Karen and Linda also got a head start on the Retreat - Raili Finished a gorgeous top - from a class she had taken previously ....

So she has pulled out yet another project to work on.....

Linda finished this star (and I think 3 more.....???) for a Mystery Quilt she is doing from a store in Moose Jaw that she purchased on line after Elaine blogged about it.

Here are the fabrics that came with the clues.....

Karen is busy with the clues from her Border Creek Mystery.......she's keeping up to date!

Dinner Thursday night was one of my "go to" recipes, Sweet & Sour Meatballs with Rice....Jonathan got what was left, about an appetizer side! Dessert was Apple Strudels......delicious!

Stay tuned and I will update you on the rest of the goings on over the weekend!

Even I'm set up to get something done, first the hand sewing on my Lithia Park and then I brought two other projects if I get the flowers all done, we'll soon see!

Happy Quilting!

Jo-Ann

I promised.....

2011-11-21T20:09:00.000-05:00

One of my customers called today with a dilemma. She has some vintage doilies she wants to put into a quilt and would like to know how to go about it. A few years ago, one of my wonderful customers, Linda, gave me 9 vintage white cocktail napkins with roosters on them which I wanted to put in a quilt. I am embarrassed to say the quilt top has been done for a few years but I haven't quilted it yet. I even have the backing I want to use so my only excuse is time!!!!

In any event - I promised to post the pictures tonight to give you an idea as to how I attached them to the quilt - I used one of the decorative stitches on my machine so that it appears to be part of the cocktail napkin - (photo #1 without flash)

Photo # 2 - with flash, closer to the actual colour.....if you click on either one you should get a closer look......

...and since I actually found the quilt top (Phew! I was pretty sure I knew where it was!!!) here's a photo of the finished top......

Now that I have found it and since I have the backing, it's going in the "to be quilted" pile and will be a priority to be quilted...... I just have to decide whether I'll be quilting this one or I'll break down and give it to a long-arm quilter!!!! Tough decision!

Update on Lithia Park - the petals and leaves are done Woohoo!!!!! Next phase!

Happy Quilting!

Jo-Ann

Wow......

2011-11-20T23:07:00.000-05:00

Yesterday was busy, busy, busy! First, Elaine led the Christmas Club - they are working on Welcome to the North Pole and there's only one more month to go before they do the great reveal! You are all invited and I will e-mail a "formal" invitation in time for you to all partake in the fun! They have already chosen next year's Christmas Club Quilts and there is a choice of two patterns - come and join in the fun - one Saturday a month - $10.00 - with a few very stringent rules, but really a fabulous time!!!!

Here are the blocks they are working on......

I can't wait to see the rest of the blocks that were made......I'm really looking forward to the reveal!

The afternoon was also busy - Luarissa had her Waterfall class, the pattern is from Helene Knott's - Postcards from Japan series......they sure got a lot done -

As for me, I am still busy working on Lithia Park and I am absolutely in love with this quilt......I managed to get the 4 centre blocks together tonight after work and I absolutely love it!

I can't wait to get the rest of the blocks done and put together! I guess I'll be watching alot of TV this week and there's always the Retreat this weekend.....hmmm, maybe between cooking I'll get the blocks ready to go and then get it pieced and quilted! Best laid plains, but I have hope!

Happy quilting!

Jo-Ann

Back in the swing......

2011-11-19T17:35:00.000-05:00

One thing I have sorely missed over the last 6 months is our Friday night Sit & Sews! Well, last night was just that and we had a great time!

Dinner was amazing if I do say so myself - Stuffed Roast Chicken, Green Beans with Sauteed Mushrooms, Mashed Potatoes and Cranberry Sauce, oh and lovely Dinner Rolls......I made an Apple Cake for Dessert.......

After dinner, as usual everyone got to work......Gillian showed off her finished quilt which was quilted by Sandy Lindal and is beautiful!!!!

I didn't get much done (as usual) but the plan was to work on my flower petals for my Lithia Park. I think I got 3 or 4 small petals done but all of my leaves are now finished - I will soon be just working on the blocks! I'm certainly planning on taking it home with me tonight to work on so who knows!!!!

Happy Quilting!

Jo-Ann

I am really back......

2011-11-16T21:18:00.000-05:00

That means I'm in the store! That means we are beginning to prepare for our next newsletter!

Just a quick note about what I'm working on.....Lithia Park and I'm using something new we have in the store......

I'm using the Diamonds from Paper Pieces that we sell in the store - they are amazing....Nancy loves them, Barb loves them, Laurissa loves them and now I love them! I started this quilt about 2 years ago with another "product" and I just couldn't get it done....In the past week I have managed to finish all the petals for the 16 flowers and almost half of the leaves! They are just so easy to use......(I see a quick class coming!) English Paper Piecing!!!!

I've got it all set up in my room so I can sit and watch TV and stitch away....it's wonderful....

...and you can see all my favourite hand stitching tools! My Desk Needle Threader and my Needle Dome, my applique pins (Clover) and my 4" Scissor.
We carry all of these in the store......

I'll keep you posted on my progress! These are the actual blocks....

I'm really excited about this quilt - it's one of those UFO's I thought I'd never get done but now I can see the light at the end of the tunnel and all because of Paper Pieces! Who would have thought it....

Happy Quilting!

Jo-Ann

From the horses mouth......

2011-10-13T20:34:00.000-04:00

Poor Barb has been left to keep you all updated. I'm back, well sort of, just a short post! The discomfort doesn't really allow me to sit for long periods and the past week has been spent doing a lot of lying down and a lot of sleeping.....that can't be bad!

Today was a milestone for me.....I've been downstairs twice, took my first REAL shower and even had my first outing this evening. A short trek with Rich to the store to pick up a couple of items! Scared Mary and the ladies at the Art Quilt Club but it was great to see all of them too! Lisa, Fiona and Carolyn and Mary welcomed me with open arms and I felt the love!

Thank you all for all of your good wishes and prayers, trust me I wouldn't be where I am today if it wasn't for those! It has kept my spirits high through this whole ordeal and hopefully it will only be uphill from here....the staples come out tomorrow so I am well on my way to a speedy recovery!

I will try to be more diligent with my blogging just to keep you all apprised of my progress if for no other reason.....Last night I even tried doing so hand piecing but the neuropathy (a side effect of the Chemo) is really affecting my fingers so it's very hard to manage too much at a time....again, will keep you posted.

I miss you all and I send all my love to everyone!

Happy Quilting!

Jo-Ann

Up-Date on Jo-Ann

2011-10-13T19:01:00.000-04:00

Hi All,

I thought Jo-Ann would have posted by now but I guess not because many of you have been contacting me directly for information. So I thought I'd better update you.

Jo-Ann was released from hospital last Friday. She's at home a doing well. She tells me she is uncomfortable but not in pain and feeling a little stronger each day.

She hopes to be back in the store by mid-November. I know she appreciates all your comments (I read her the ones on the left after the last blog post) so please feel free to leave one for her. One way or another, I will make sure she hears about them.

I'm sure she'll be along one day soon to post again herself.

Happy Quilting,
Barb

Today was surgery day ...

2011-10-04T19:42:00.000-04:00

Hi All,

As many of you know, today was Jo-Ann's surgery. She had to report to the hospital at 6:00 am today and for anybody who knows her, this is an ungodly hour!

I got a voice mail message from her friend Mucie at about 3:00 pm (of course she called at the only time I was on the phone all day!) to say that Jo-Ann was out of surgery, out of recovery and safely in her room and that the doctor said that he was happy with how the surgery went! GREAT NEWS!!

Jo-Ann just called me a few moments ago. She's not in any pain, I think perhaps because the epidural has not yet worn off. Although she sounded a bit dopey (more so that usual!!), she was in good spirits.

That's all for now. I'll post again if there's anything to report. Or perhaps I'll have her dictate a post for you.

Cheers,
Barb

My Heroes........

2011-10-01T20:42:00.000-04:00

...consist of a group of women who meet monthly in the classroom of Cock A Doodle Quilts! I am so blessed to have my shop chosen as their home, They are a great group of talented women who love to quilt and with open hearts continue to make quilts to support our service men and women around the world....

Alison McDonald is their liason to Quilts Of Valour and helps to distribute these quilts to the injured soldiers and their families. We still call our group Healing Heroes but the quilts ultimately go to the organization known as Quilts Of Valour.

Once in awhile Alison drops by to see us and it's such a treat, and she usually brings treats - today it was Cider Nuggets from a place in Hamilton and I have to say I had my fill - they were cinnamon divine!!!!!

Of course we got to show off a number of quilts that were dropped off at the store for the "Heroes" by Sandra......

Alison had mentioned the need for children's quilts the last time she was in so Sandra dropped off two kids quilts that are adorable....

Here's one.....

...and two!

But - she didn't stop there, she also made a few fabulous larger quilts......one....

Two.......

Three......

Four......

Five.......

Six.......

.....and they all came with matching pillowcases or bags! She's been a busy quilter! .....and then two more from our girls at the store!

Fabulous colours in both!

Caught a snap of Alison checking out this one!

Alison shared one of her own quilts with us - it's an absolutely stunning batik, which she quilted on her long arm of course! She did an amazing job and is quite an accomplished long-arm quilter - (pick up her card at the front of the store)!

I'm not sure you can see the quilting and I apologize for that (my lousy camera skills), I should have gotten closer but these days if I don't have to get up I don't!

For me it was a real treat seeing everyone in the store, the last time I was there for "Heroes" was back in May......it was a real treat for me today!

If you want to make a quilt for Quilts of Valour - they are looking for lap quilts made from 100% cotton fabrics, including flannels and you can drop the finished quilt at the store anytime, just tell us it's for Healing Heroes, Quilts Of Valour and put a label on the back with your name.

Happy Quilting!

Jo-Ann

A special guest....

2011-09-27T23:26:00.000-04:00

I really meant to post this a few weeks ago! I got an e-mail from a lovely lady visiting from Australia who wanted to know if she could join us for our monthly Sampler Club Meeting ( Dear Jane, Dear Hannah, The Farmer's Wife and Nearly Insane - to make it easier, Nancy renamed it the Sampler Club)! Of course, we always welcome quilters!

Linda came by and shared some amazing stories and a wonderful quilt she made for her daughter who lives in Toronto......

Linda dyed all the fabrics in this quilt herself and the pattern is a take from the Ricky Tim's fractures......it is absolutely stunning!

We were absolutely thrilled she shared it with us........

It really is a stunning quilt!

The best news is - she comes quite often to visit her daughter and I'm going to try to talk her into teaching in the store, she also had some absolutely fabulous ideas and some great projects......possibly this time next year!

Certainly I will try to keep in touch with her - she was an absolute delight, we loved looking at photos of her quilts and projects and we all had a lovely evening.....

Happy Quilting!

Jo-Ann

Yes, finally......

2011-09-26T20:32:00.003-04:00

I know I have been remiss in blogging but as usual I have an excuse! Actually, I have a few excuses! One - I've been working in the store alot since the beginning of the month and it's taken it's toll on my energy levels - I get home and collapse! Two - there is the technical problem, I either forget the camera in one place or as happened the other day - the battery died!!!!!

Last Thursday we had the Border Creek Station Mystery Quilt Reveal! I took alot of pictures but as usual not enough - so take a look at how gorgeous these quilts came out, each so different!

First - one not quite finished and on the right the Lazy Lap version - both absolutely gorgeous!

There are four visible here - all so different........

One on the table and another two on the left......

Unfortunately, I didn't get a good one of the front hanging quilt which is done in fabulous pink flannels.......

We had a large group show up and we all waited patiently for the guest of honour - Sherri!

Another gorgeous quilt......

Most of our mystery participants only got tops done but there were two completely finished quilts.....one on the table, I hear the binding was finished around 8:30 a.m. Thursday morning........

Sherri arrived but confessed that she didn't do the quilt this year! However, she brought one of her fabulous pineapple quilts to share.......

She gave us some really great info on next year's mystery and even I signed up for the new one! Because we all know I have "no" projects on the go.....I need at least one more......

Here are two more quilts.......

After all that - I had to share this quilt - it is Helen's 2009 Border Creek Station Mystery Quilt and it is just stunning........and it has been quilted, Sandy Lindal did a fabulous job!

.....and on the back - another quilt?!?!? She used her left over batiks to make the back - it too is stunning!

The new Mystery is out and I challenge you to sign up - 8 clues, October to May - then we give you June - September to finish and share! It's a lot of fun trying to figure out what Sherri's up to and I can't wait! One tip, if you're going to do it - buy baggies!!!! It will be a great distraction while I'm on the mend - yet again! Sign up before September 30th so we can get those first clues in......

Happy Quilting!

Jo-Ann

What a WEEKEND!!!!

2011-09-05T21:54:00.000-04:00

Our wild weekend retreat was a hit! When Laurissa came up with the idea to have a Labour Day Retreat Weekend we thought we would be celebrating the end of my chemo treatments. In fact we are and we did but I am lucky in that my last treatment is on Wednesday September 7th, so I had almost two extra weeks to get my strength back for this event. It's a good thing because I sure needed it.

If it wasn't for Laurissa and Barb I would have collapsed on Saturday but they were there to look after me, clean up, help with KP duty and take over the late nights.......I love you guys!

Now let's see what happened at the best retreat ever! Karen worked on an amazing array of blocks with Raili and Linda contemplating the arrangement - very Gees Bend-ish!

Karen stood back to check out her work.......

...and as she continued to work - got everyone's opinion, mine only with the camera.....

Carole put the binding on her beautiful Log Cabin quilt - it's a wedding gift I believe....and stunning in Black, White and a touch of yellow.....She also presented me with a Comfort Shawl which I will have plenty of use for this week and in the weeks to come - thank you so much Carole!

Trudy laid out her Baltimore Album blocks on the cutting board (as you can see, Karen's quilt continues to grow on the design wall) and they are just awesome - Annadele is admiring them with all of us....

Linda is showing us a challenge quilt which Karen actually gave her and she will continue to work on.....

You've seen this one before, but Andie finished it this weekend - it's hand quilted and the binding went on - you can see it in person, just down the Plaza from Cock A Doodle, hanging at Camden Towne Leathers.....it is so amazing how gorgeous it is. Her choice of fabrics are fabulous!

Here it is - Karen's quilt - the final frontier! It really is fantastic! I can't wait to see it quilted - look out Tony, you're gonna need another King Size batting!!!

I missed out on getting a picture of Trudy's "chemo" quilt, it's the one she worked on the 16 hours she sat with me through two of my chemo sessions....but I will make her bring it in once she's finished quilting it....

I didn't get pictures of Annadele's stuff either - well one of them was her Border Creek Mystery and you won't see that until the REVEAL on September 22nd - and she had the other two projects up and off the design board way to fast.....I missed Barb's quilt too!...and Linda's quilt although it was up and down a few times, I wasn't sure if I was allowed to photograph it but maybe she'll bring it Thursday and I can get it then ....and 'Rissa was working on some amazing applique that I missed. But in my defense I was busy cooking alot!

Speaking of which - I had to get at least one picture of all of us eating!

The food was great, the company was great and I think I can safely say alot of quilting got done! By the time we all left today I was admittedly pooped!! But it was well worth it - I sure enjoyed it!

Our next retreat is the end of November, if you've never been, you should try it - there are still some spaces available! We limit the retreats to 8 people so it fills up fast! Think about it - it's loads of fun!

Happy Quilting!

Jo-Ann

P.S. I should apologize, yet again, for taking so long between blogs but I was pretty busy this past month, working in the store, getting the newsletter out, finishing a business year end and then there was the chemo. I've really got to get on a "blogging" schedule!!!!

We're still busy!

2011-08-01T00:41:00.001-04:00

Getting out a newsletter is always a challenge but we are working very hard to get it done...... The Cock A Doodle Quilt Club has received a great response and our first Pre-Notification of What's New and What's happening went out today to our current members - wow!

It looks like we will be launching our On-Line Store shortly as well - things are hopping! It's so exciting!

Tony and Linda dropped by on Thursday to show off their French Braid quilt which Tony quilted on his long arm - he's a very accomplished Long Arm Quilter - pick up his card the next time you're in the store or call the store for more info.....

He and Linda took Elaine's class last spring and they've made a bunch of these quilts in all different colourways - they're gorgeous!

Hope you all are having a great summer! Enjoy the heat - we really don't get enough of these days!

Happy Quilting!

Jo-Ann

Busy,busy,busy!

2011-07-24T23:33:00.000-04:00

We're all pretty busy here! I worked Friday night and we also had Applique Club and I worked today......I started a small project which I will put borders on at home.

This is a miniature quilt, of course when I bought the pattern I thought it was full size but the larger HST's (Half Square Triangle) are 2-1/2" and the small ones are 1-1/2".

I hand picked each fabric from my stash and I have a couple of tips that might help you out when choosing a quilt like this.

TIP: First, I made the HST's a little larger than required and then cut them down to size - the 2-1/2" size I made 3" and the 1-1/2" size I made 2", then cut them to size.

The second tip has a photo - which refers to the block with the 4 1-1/2" HST's. I chain stitch them in order and when I cut them I leave the two matching pieces together (I don't cut the thread between them). Then I lay them on the ironing board and face one to the left and the second one to the right and press them. The seams are now pressed opposite each other and nestle nicely for a perfect match. I then take it over to the machine and fold it over and sew my seam.

Karen and Raili stopped by today to "wow" me with a quilt top and sign up for the Cock A Doodle Quilt Club. So the quilt top is the 2009 Buck-A-Block with a twist. Instead of putting in the large plain blocks in between the HST blocks she designed a gorgeous Pinwheel Block which really looks fabulous!...I also love her dark border, it really frames the quilt. From what I understand this quilt will be hanging at the York Heritage Show in November.......

Last but not least, I got another Farmer's Wife block done this week. I finally started hand piecing again to go with my blitz at cutting.....happy to get another one done.....

I also prepared lunch for tomorrow and will be there again in the morning to make lunch....

Come on by and say hi!!!!

Happy Quilting!

Jo-Ann

I can only say WOW!!!!

2011-07-15T22:34:00.000-04:00

Barb and I came to the store this evening to find Sharon prepping dinner for the Sit & Sew tonight. She had the most fabulous thing to show us.

For her Birthday this year her sister made her a "Miniature" - not a quilt! Wait until you see this........it measures 4" square by 8-1/2" high.....I left the wall plug in the back so you can get an idea of the scale. It's a sewing room!

Blow it up and you will see the patterns, the books, the fat quarters, cats and rotary cutters.....

There are scissors and a seam ripper, fabric bolts and beads......

...and notice the bulletin board has a copy of the Cock A Doodle Chronicle, every page no less.....

She is extremely talented, right down to the spools of thread and the glasses! I just had to share this with you.....

Happy Quilting!

Jo-Ann

I'm back.....

2011-07-09T20:30:00.001-04:00

Has it really been over a month!?!? So sorry, didn't mean to take so long.....
I've been working this weekend, first time in two months - worked yesterday and today and I'll be back tomorrow! Boy, have I missed the store! I love this store.....

The Healing Heroes group were in today and it was fabulous, I even got some work done on one of my quilts - check it out at http://www.creationsbyjoann.blogspot.com/. It's called Alaskan Wildflowers and we have the book in the store - great book!

I also confirmed that we produce absolutely "CRAZY" quilters! Andy was in today working on her "Heroes" quilts and brought in her latest project......

Each of those squares is a different fabric and they are approximately 1/2" blocks - there are 3,900 so far!!!! This is what I would call insanity! She makes the most fabulous quilts and she's only been quilting 1-1/2 years.....

Now that I'm getting back in the saddle I can tell you that we are preparing the BEST EVER newsletter for the fall and we've got some great surprises coming up! You will soon hear more! I'll keep you posted! In the meantime I'm off to work on another project.....

Happy Quilting!

Jo-Ann

Hey there!

2011-06-05T11:52:00.000-04:00

From the back patio this blog comes to you! I can't believe it's been almost a month.....so sorry, been a little preoccupied!!!

Nancy filled me in on what's happening at the store so let's see - we've got 2 BOM sets left of Fairy Dust which are at a fabulous price, you can buy the whole set or sign up for monthly installments.....the pattern is from Starr Design and the quilt sample is up on our wall - so drop by and check it out!

Nancy has also made up a bunch of "Scrap Bags" which she's put out for sale too....lovely little pieces for all those scrap quilts we all love doing! Speaking of scraps - Scrap Basket Sensations! is back in stock.....

We also got in a number of new books which are as always at a great price!

I haven't had the chance to go through them yet but I know they are fabulous, they came from That Patchwork Place and they do have some of the best books......

There's a slight chance I may be starting a new project today from one of last month's fabulous book choices but I'm not sure yet, depends on how I feel this afternoon! I'm hoping to drop by the store in the next couple of days to say HI and possibly hang out for a bit.....so who knows, maybe I'll see you there.....

Happy Quilting!

Jo-Ann

Playing catch up again.......

2011-05-10T23:40:00.000-04:00

I had to share this photo of Gillian's One Block Wonder. She took the class with Elaine in April, worked on it diligently during our 4 day quilt retreat at the end of April and put the borders on last Monday - it's awesome!

I honestly don't know how she does it! I know I try to "focus" on one project at a time and lately have been able to perservere but I usually get distracted. She really keeps her eye on the prize and just gets it done!

My friend Lisa stopped by last Thursday to say hi and see me before the surgery and brought a wallhanging she's been working on for a while.....it's an adaptation of a quilt she saw at a show and it's really gorgeous!

We talked her into staying for awhile and she got it all squared off and then up on the design wall for a photo op, but the best is yet to come, she's finished the quilting and now she gets to add all the embellishments.......I definitely want to see this when it's completed.....

Each of the segments has a ribbon attached where there will be decorative beads hanging which she has been collecting for a while....it's really going to be stunning!

That's all for today but I do have more in store so stay tuned! Tonight was our monthly "Sampler Club" meeting (Dear Jane, Dear Hannah, Farmer's Wife and Nearly Insane....) I got one more block cut and am heading up to bed to get another one cut before I tuck myself in for the night.....in preparation for my recuperation days!

Happy Quilting!

Jo-Ann

UPDATE!!!!!

2011-05-09T20:53:00.001-04:00

Has it really been that long since I blogged???? I guess so!

As many of you know I am scheduled for surgery tomorrow May 10th - however - it has been postponed until May 24th.......for mor info you can read my "personal" blog at http://www.creationsbyjoann.blogspot.com/ or just hit the button on the side bar for Jo-Ann's Creations, Trials & Tribulations!

I promise to bring everyone up to speed on store stuff shortly. I had to rush out today and forgot to take the camera with me, so stay tuned!

Happy Quilting!

Jo-Ann

What a weekend......

2011-04-26T00:13:00.000-04:00

Saturday April 23, 2011

The girls arrive bright and early (10:00 A.M. - that's "my" early) to get going on all their projects. They came up with this great idea, when they finished a project, they got to ring the Cock A Doodle dinner bell! It's the bell I use to call them to meals.....

After Elaine started ringing the bell on a regular basis they decided to hide the bell from her - we also changed the rules - bringing finished tops that just need borders and binding made do not constitute "finishing| projects! It's a new rule for the next retreat!

Marion is working on this fabulous applique - can't wait to see this one done!

Gillian has taken over the design wall with her One Block Wonder - it looks awesome.......

Lunch has been served, Frittata, Salad and Cheese bread......

Dinner consisted of one of our favourites, Hot Dogs, Beans and Potato Chips - they got brownies for dessert......

Karen showed off one of her recent Mystery Quilts - done!

Cathie and Andie are holding up Cathie's 4 Patch Posie.....absolutely awesome!

Elaine thinks so too - this is her head taking a picture.......check her blog - her pics are less blurry......

Aha - I did get one decent picture......it really is awesome!

They worked hard - late into the night.......

On and on into the night.......

I actually went home early but I heard they were there until midnight.......

Sunday April 24, 2011

Another day, more projects but first, bright and early and breakfast is served!
Pancakes......with cherry sauce and maple syrup!

Here's Andie hard at work cutting 1" squares for her amazing quilt!

Lunch is served, Fresh veggies with dip, cheeses and crackers....because I pu dinner in the oven and went home to rest up for the evening!

Before I left I caught Elaine working on this Buggy Barn pattern......

When I got back Sharon had finished her Mystery Quilt from April and so we were able to put it next to Karen's - they really are all "one of a kind" and each of them is gorgeous! Hmmm...should have put mine in the mix too! Oh well, will remember that next time......

This is the beginning of Andie's 1/2" square quilt - each square is a different fabric so far.....she intends to use 90,000 squares.........it's going to be amazing.......

This is really what everyone was waiting for - dinner - Roast Beef, Mashed Potatoes, Yorkshire Pudding, Brussel Sprouts and gravy......dessert was Apple Strudel and Ice Cream......

Hmmm.....this is what I was doing this afternoon while I was supposed to be resting.....slowly but surely and I will try to get at least one "unblurry" picture by the time I finish it.......

To the right of my gorgeous batik is another one of Andie's creations which is going to be totally awesome and it is destined for our Healing Heroes program. It will be stunning!

In the meantime Elaine's stars are growing and growing........

Again, they worked until almost midnight, some left a little earlier but most made it to the end......

Monday April 25, 2011

Brunch only - Egg and Cheese Casserole, Bacon, Suasage and fresh baked croissants - lovely warmed bluberry muffins and apple muffins for dessert! Admittedly I spent most of my weekend in the kitchen but you have to remember I love cooking almost as much as I love quilting......

What a fabulous weekend, it really was alot of fun! I think we'll definitely be doing this again.......hopefully soon!

I took a poll before they all left and they would all come back for this one!

Happy Quilting!

Jo-Ann

Finally, it's here!

2011-04-23T13:23:00.000-04:00

Friday April 22, 2011

Our first "In Store Retreat" has finally arrived and I know there were at least 8 women looking forward to this weekend......

They arrived one by one with bags and bags of projects and machines beginning around 3:30 P.M. on Friday with Marion bringing up the rear at around 6:00 P.M. (She needed a nap after brunch - at least that's what Elaine told us)!

I had already been busy, sewing a sleeve, label and binding on my Kaffe Fassett - Holy Snowballs quilt and putting the last border on my Counting Sheep Panel quilt...but that's where I stopped....

Cathie walked in at 4:00 P.M. and by 10 after had this beauty out to show us, just needs binding.....

Although we were "officially" closed, I had gotten a call from a quilter who had never been to the store and was coming by TTC from Scarborough, so I invited her to come anytime during the weekend. She came by around 2:00 P.M. and ended up staying for dinner - Baked Salmon, Broccoli and Smashed Potatoes with Cheesecake for dessert. Having kept her more than occupied until almost 9:00 P.M. and sending her off to brave the "holiday" hours of the TTC with a huge bag of fabrics was not going to be the case, so in the spirit of being a "Full Service Quilt Store", I drove her home.

While I was gone - Karen managed to get this little number done......

Marion pulled out this gorgeous cross stitch that her mother made of Dutch Houses which she intends to re-invent.....

I, always the optimist, set up my 2 machines, one for piecing and one for quilting.....note, there is nothing at either! I got a little off track with my "special" customer and the Cock A Doodle Taxi Service, but I still have another 3 days......

Elaine was quietly industrious and managed to get her "homework" done for a class she is teaching Saturday morning (today actually)......and left at 10:30 P.M. so she could get her "beauty" sleep.....

The last straglers left around 12:15 A.M. and I wasn't far behind, making it to bed by 1:30 A.M.

Saturday April 23, 2011

I was up bright and early and breakfast was ready when the girls showed up at 10:00 A.M. - Coffee (of course) Bagels with cream cheese, butter or jam, Warm muffins - blueberry or apple, Orange Juice, Granola cereal! Needless to say no one chose the granola......

....and the girls came ready to work - I brought my Island Chain to show them my progress....it's next to another Mystery Quilt from July 2007 that Karen is trying to finish.....

Cathie's got a 4 patch posie she's trying to get finished - it's gorgeous!

Gillian is working on her One Block Wonder, Sharon is busy with a Mystery Quilt and Marion is working on a really cool applique.....I need to get back on track and get some quilting done!

This is really working out great and I'm glad I decided to do this - even the odd customer pops in not realizing were closed (quilting emergencies are allowed anytime!) so I guess we're sort of open!

Need to go check on lunch and get some work done!

Happy Quilting!

Jo-Ann

Busy, busy, busy!

2011-04-16T22:34:00.000-04:00

The Sale was a hit! ....we were very busy and last night was our monthly Sit & Sew - actually we may rename it to Sit & Eat - Quilting for Dessert!

I made one of my favourite meals - Chicken Shnitzel, Green Beans with Mushrooms and Smashed Potatoes, then I baked up Apple Strudels for dessert. It was delicious and the girls enjoyed it too!

Then we got down to some serious quilting - here's Linda putting her Christmas Quilt up on the board.....can't wait to see this one done! She's using black and whites as her background, it's looking awesome.....

This morning in between customers Kathy was taking Elaine's Christmas Club Class and here are the blocks every body made......they are gorgeous!

....and the girls brought Show and Share - here's Beth's 2,900 and something 1" block quilt - it's amazing - she made it for her granddaughter......

Beth brought in this fabulous quilt top - it's from a class Luarissa taught a couple of years ago - a Lorraine Stagness technique......

This is from last Wednesday's Autumn Braid class which Elaine taught - you can see the sample quilt hanging to the left - really cool Beth!

Linda wowed us with her Patchwork Sampler quilt which is completed - it was one of our Blocks of The Month last year, taught by Laurissa. Linda quilted it on Elaine's long arm machine last weekend.......it is awesome!

I have to say I just love it when you all bring in your quilts to share with us! It's really motivating! Makes me want to get busy......so I'm off to quilt!

Happy Quilting!

Jo-Ann

Whoda thunk it?!?!

2011-04-11T18:33:00.000-04:00

I have to say when we decided to run a class for One Block Wonder I was a little unsure of what the response would be. Not only did we fill this class but these ladies spent a marvelous Saturday creating fabulous blocks......

Elaine is the ultimate teacher and even I brought my attempt at One Block Wonder from 2007 (another UFO). I unfortunately was also busy in the store so I didn't get alot done but here are my blocks, starting to look like something.....of course I have no idea where the original fabric I used is. I do know that it was a breeze to find this UFO because after the move everything is sorted and easy to find.......

Elaine started a second One Block Wonder - this is the fabric she started with......

Check out what came from this......

Once they settled in to work - the class took over the whole store including our cutting table in the store........

Cathie had some awesome fabric - really colourful........

A little hard to see on the ironing board but the blocks are coming out awesome.....

Cathie's are the ones in the top right.......

Gail's fabric is the same as Cathie's but a different colourway - awesome!

Her blocks are centre top....really cool!

Aafje's fabric is a Kaffe Fassett in beautiful autumn colours.......

Here are the start of her blocks......hopefully she'll be bringing this to Monday Sit & Sews so we can watch it evolve......

Chrystle, like me, had already taken the class and just wanted a refresher course! Her UFO is much closer to being completed than mine and is going to be stunning.......

This is Angie's fabric......geishas!

Here are some of her blocks......

More blocks in the top left corner......

Gillian chose this fabric, gorgeous!

Check out what happens once they're cut.....

Here are 10 of her blocks - it's just so cool to see this come together......

This is Shirley's fabric, a smaller repeat but........

still really effective.......

A huge variety of movement here....it's going to be gorgeous......

They are all going to be amazing, I think we'll have to run this class again, you can't beat this technique - it's really a winner!

Happy Quilting!

Jo-Ann

News and Tips......

2011-04-07T17:21:00.001-04:00

Nancy prompted this blog completely! She was doing up the front window where we are showcasing our "Sample" quilts that are for sale.....

She also wanted me to mention our great book prices and she's right! Now that the dollar is above par it's an even better deal! We sell all of our books at U.S. prices - that's a minimum savings of about $7.00 per book - add to that the strength of the Canadian Dollar and you are really saving. Also, if there's a title you want and don't see on our shelves we are more than happy to order it in. We love books, they inspire us and we all collect them so to have a few more on the shelves is never a problem.

Last but not at all least is our Quilt Tip of the Day/Week/Month!?!?

I've had these rulers in the store for a while and Nancy swears by them (which is why I ordered them in!!!). I have never used them but she "schooled" me today and now I'm hooked....

The Quilt In A Day 6-1/2" Triangle Square Up Ruler

If you don't own one - here's why you should! If you do own one but don't use it - check this out!

First, Nancy had a pattern that said to cut her squares at 3-7/8", she cut 4" squares instead and marked them for sewing her 1/2 square triangles. She's sewn on either side of her centre line.

She now needs to have 3-1/2" half square triangles for her pattern. So I am cutting along the centre line first.

Here comes the COOL part! I now take my Quilt In A Day ruler and line up the sewing line with the 3-1/2" mark on the ruler.........

I trim around the ruler.......

On both sides of the block (triangle).......

Cooler still! I turn the ruler around and again put the 3-1/2" line on the sewing line and centering the point and trim off the corners......

I now have the finished triangle......no corners to trim......

Voila - done!

...and it measures exactly 3-1/2"!!!!!

The beauty of this method is the fact that since you are measuring from your sewing line it doesn't matter whether it was exactly a 1/4" seam or not! It will always give you the exact size block you need up to 6-1/2".....

Of course, it stands to reason that my next project has no 1/2 square triangles but no matter - I'm sure I'll be using it again very soon!

Happy Quilting!

Jo-Ann

We're having some fun.....

2011-03-31T19:37:00.000-04:00

We just got in two new collections and we're all busy making up store samples. Yes even me.....I know, another project!!!! However this is my "store" project which I can only work on in the store......

The fabrics are great! First there is "Counting Sheep" which has two free quilt patterns - one with the panel, which I am "whipping" up! and the other with this fabulous border print which Nancy is going to start on tomorrow......

Here's the panel -

...and here are all the co-ordinates including the border print! They are just adorable! If you love sheep - you will love these fabrics......

The other great collection that came in is "Quilting Purrfection" and you just have to see these kittens......so cute! Sharon has taken on the free quilt pattern sample so that should be completed soon and Nancy whipped up the bag this afternoon! It took her about 3-1/2 hours and it was done!

Here are the fabrics.....

This is a photo of the free pattern sheet......

...and here's the bag Nancy whipped up this afternoon! It's got lots of pockets and is a really nice size bag....

In addition we got in three fabulous new books! 501 Quilting Motifs by Quiltmakers - a great go to book for machine quilting......

Inspired by Tradition by Kay Mackenzie - I fell in love with the cover and Nancy has already picked a project to do a class on......can't wait to see her version.....

For something a little different! I chose Sewing Pottery by Machine by Barbara Warholic and I think (don't quote me!) that Kathy wants to do a sample and possibly teach a class on this one.......we'll see! Really looks pretty cool!

Okay - I have to get back to my store sample - distractions, distractions! but I really wanted to tell you about all the new stuff!

Happy Quilting!

Jo-Ann

What's Happening!?!?!

2011-03-25T23:59:00.000-04:00

It's been awhile since the last update! We've been busy receiving orders - books, patterns, notions and tomorrow we've got some great fabrics coming.....can't wait to set them all up in the store and show them off!

Last weekend was Christmas Club and if you check Elaine's blog regularly you've probably already seen the blocks but I'll give you a second look now!

Not entirely sure who's blocks are who's here so I'll just let you see how different and fabulous they all are.....maybe next time I'll take notes .......

I love catching Elaine off-guard (she does the same to me all the time....) This one's pretty good!

It's all about the stories that go with the blocks and what they all represent....this class should really be taped.......it's hilarious! There was something about a pregnant reindeer and one who wasn't feeling well.....

Sunday was Nancy's Next step Applique class which is a real treat to see! The blocks are coming out so beautifully......she's a real slave driver and makes them work really hard.....

I think the ladies are really enjoying this class......a lovely way to spend a Sunday afternoon!

Sunday afternoon Kristin stopped buy to pick up backing for two baby quilts she's making and they are just so adorable I had to have pictures......using much of the same fabrics, just different designs!

On Monday I decided to make one of my favourite cake recipes and it went over really well, so well in fact, there were only two slices of cake left at the end of the day....I managed to get the photo when it was only half gone.....It's a Lemon Coconut Cake and it is to die for!

So - I'll share the recipe -

Lemon Coconut Cake

1 white cake mix - make as directed using 2 9" round pans
Lemon Filling - Shirrif's - as directed on the package
Prepared White Icing - Duncan Hines or Betty Crocker
Coconut

Let cake and lemon filling cool. On first layer, fill with lemon filling. Place second layer on top and ice with white icing, sprinkle coconut on top and sides - dribble with more lemon filling and voila!

I had lots of lemon filling left over so I purchased some Tenderflake Frozen Tart shells and filled them, then made meringue and served Mini - Lemon Meringues for dessert on Thursday!

I have also done this all from scratch but I honestly believe if you can find a faster way and it still tastes just as good - do it!

With that - I am off to cut more Farmer's Wife templates and blocks so I will try not to take so long between blogs -

Happy Quilting!

Jo-Ann

Awed again!

2011-03-11T23:55:00.000-05:00

I think that lately I am "quilting" vicariously through my customers and teachers! I've had so much going on in my personal life that quilting has taken a back seat and I don't seem to be getting anything done!

However, I certainly enjoy sharing the thought processes and creativity of all of my customers.....

Last weekend, Fiona came by with a project she was working on to find a background. After laying out a number of great fabrics she finally decided on one that really does this art piece justice! I can almost see a class coming from this one.....all you have to do is say you're interested and I'll be twisting her arm! Someone gave her a bunch of tulips and voila!

Yesterday was our Thursday Sit & Sew and we had almost a full house. Chris brought in a quilt which she made for a raffle at a seniors' home. She makes one every year for their annual charity event.....the fabrics are from one of our many Japanese collections.......and as usual my photo does not do this quilt top justice!

Carol, new to our Thursday Sit & Sew was busy working on her Bargello Quilt from a class she took a while back with Elaine....it's really coming along......I believe it got a lot bigger as the day progressed! They worked right up until 6:00 P.M......

I was busy unpacking all the boxes that arrived with books, notions, patterns and BATTING! Yes - batting, finally! We're going to try and keep that stuff in stock.....I almost forgot what it looks like, it's been so long! The Mettler thread cabinet is full again too!

We've got some great new books and some good repeats in and a bunch of patterns that we've been waiting for....

Carolyn is in tomorrow and will be teaching Machine Quilting Techniques to a small group and Barb is working this weekend because I'm a little "under the weather". I might stop by to help out with the lunch but I'm nursing a toothache so I won't be there for long.....maybe I'll get some quilting done at home!

Happy Quilting!

Jo-Ann

A little inspiration!

2011-03-08T05:52:00.000-05:00

I am sometimes, no, correction, always - blown away by my customers! They motivate and inspire me and I am usually awed and speechless by their gorgeous creations! Sunday was no exception......

Andie came by to show me her latest! She picked out the fabrics earlier in the week and came back with the completed "masterpiece" on Sunday. Just a little background here, she's been quilting for a little over a year and has produced at least 10 quilts, some for Healing Heroes....a real inspiration, and proof that there is even hope for me!

Check out this awesome and inspiring baby quilt for her grandson....the front has Ethan's favourite sleeper on it (which he has grown out of) and if you click on the photo you'll see the background is bears and sleepers......

The back is just as inspiring, an alphabet panel which makes this a learning quilt too! It was so inspiring that a customer in the store at the time purchased the fabrics to make two alphabet quilts for her grandchildren, a boy and a girl!

It's amazing what you can do with one of these panels they come out with! The real joy is - that even though it's a "mass produced" panel, each quilt turns out unique with a quilters' loving touch!

Yesterday I happened into the classroom while Linda was laying out yet another quilt pattern from that fantastic book - Scrapbook Surprises! It's a ribbon pattern and it is going to be absolutely awesome!

My personal inspiration arrived yesterday in the form of two big boxes full of goodies that I had ordered for the store.....one of my customers special ordered this book and since I have coveted this book for over a year I decided to order 2 and "possibly" keep one for myself......

FibreArt Montage by Judith Baker Montano is a quilter's "coffee table" book! It's pricey but worth every single penny! I don't stock it in the store but will happily special order it! (I usually order a few extra when I do that)! It is a book where she combines quilting, embroidery and photography with embellishment and it really is absolutely amazing......

Of course, that was not enough for me! I also had a special order for another one of Judith's books and of course, ordered one extra for me! It's her Embroidery & Crazy Quilt STITCH TOOL! Another really amazing and inspiring book! I'm not exactly sure what I have planned for this one but I know that I do intend to use it soon......It even has a stand so that it stands on it's own!

I can see hours of decorative stitching in my future.......FYI - if there's a book you want and we can get it, we will be more than happy to special order it! I've even been known to add a few extra to the order if it's something that interests us and I think others will be inspired, so don't be shy - if you don't see something in the store, just ask!

I am off to lose myself in two very inspiring books....

Happy Quilting!

Jo-Ann

155 Quilts!!!!!

2011-03-06T02:36:00.000-05:00

Today was our monthly "Healing Heroes" meeting and the ladies were busy, busy, busy! The classroom was full to brimming, we almost didn't have enough chairs - a great sign!

We were also happy to host a special guest today, Alison McDonald, our liason with Quilts of Valour, an avid quilter herself, as well as an accomplished long-arm quilter. It was a very productive and a wonderful day......

Here's Pat holding up the latest quilts to go off to the depot where they will be loved and cherished by the amazing service men and women who fight to protect our country and the world.......

Here's Alison holding up a quilt pieced by a 91 year old woman. She sent two completed tops which just need backing - then Alison will throw them on the long-arm and quilt them......she's actually done hundreds already!

Judy's at the design board working on another one of her masterpieces....really, she really tries new patterns all the time and does a beautiful job!

....and Barb and Alison commiserating at the cutting table......checking to see if they've got enough fabric for backing!

For anyone interested in donating a quilt to Quilts of Valour (Healing Heroes), they are looking for 100% cotton quilts, flannels are also good as long as they're 100% cotton, size is minimum 50" x 70". You can drop them at the store anytime or come and say hi on the first Saturday of every month because that's when all the girls are usually there! If you have any questions give me a call at the store and I'll try and answer them, or get the answers for you!

Okay - there's a cheesecake in the oven for tomorrow's dessert so I gotta run......

Happy Quilting!

Jo-Ann

It's all about temptation!

2011-03-01T11:34:00.001-05:00

We are constantly receiving new books in the store and it's all I can do to stop myself from starting new projects.... 2011 is all about FOCUS for me so I can get some of the MANY projects I've started completed......but when the new books arrive I am always inspired and of course have already made mental notes on which projects I want to tackle......

First, and this one is right up my alley! Scrap Quilts Go Country by Deanne Eisenman. The nice part about this book is it adapts to Jelly Rolls and Charm Packs so you can really use up all that stuff you bought on a whim because you loved it when you saw it (hmmm, yes I am also guilty of that passion!).

The second book is also a great "idea" book - Modern Basics by Amy Ellis - real contemporary quilts, great for beginners but also great for quick quilts for gifts or for charitable causes......I may even donate one of these books to our Healing Heroes group!

The third book is just plain fun! A Year In The Life of Sunbonnet Sue! by Christine Porter and Darra Williamson. I am not a huge fan of "Sue" but these little quilts are just adorable.....

Last, I started thinking outside the box when I ordered this one - meaning - it's not all quilting! Fabric is fun and should decorate our lives so I ordered Sew Decorative from SewNews..... Some really great little projects in this book and it's great to use as a reference for a little home decorating! After all it's nice to have stuff that goes with all the quilts we make.....

As most of you know these four books are just a drop in the bucket of the selection of books that we carry.....Come in and grab a comfy seat by our "Book Nook" and inspire yourself! There's nothing more relaxing than being around fabric, books, patterns and all the wonderful samples we have on display. Coffee's on! Come visit!

Happy Quilting!

Jo-Ann

I'm so proud and so awed!

2011-02-28T00:18:00.000-05:00

One of the classes that I teach at Cock A Doodle is the Beginner Machine Piecing class and I love doing it! I always hope to inspire our newest inductees into this fabulous pastime and I love their eagerness to learn....

Although the class is more technique than anything else I did design a quilt which they can chose to make or just make the blocks from the quilt into something a little less daunting, so it's always a joy to see one of my students come in with a completed quilt top......

Yesterday one of my students came in to show me her finished quilt! I'm so proud of her. Here's Elizabeth's and she did an awesome job both in her technique as well as her fabric choices.......

It really turned out beautifully - now she's going to quilt it! I can't wait to see it done......

Today was Nancy's Next Step Applique class and I just had to have a photo of their progress.....the blocks are just awesome! I think I may take this class next session! I really need to get some practice on my applique techniques.....Check out these great blocks!

Okay - this photo does not do them justice so check out Fancy Nancy's blog because she took some pictures too! If they aren't posted yet, send her a comment to UPDATE her blog and she'll do it!

Tomorrow I'll be FINALLY placing orders so look for all the new stuff which should be arriving shortly.....

Happy Quilting!

Jo-Ann

A quick update...

2011-02-19T01:34:00.000-05:00

For those of you who follow the blog - I am fine! Sorry it took so long to mention that little fact but I've been out of the store since Monday.

Missing you all and can't wait to get back into the thick of things....and to see what's new at the store - I hear there is new stuff!!!!

To get a more in depth update check out my "personal" blog at http://www.creationsbyjoann.blogspot.com/.

I hear they had a wonderful time at the monthly Friday Evening Sit & Sew. Rich cooked a great meal for them and aside from a quick "blackout", probably due to the wind, they had a productive evening....didn't even miss me!

Happy Quilting,

Jo-Ann

I've been told.......

2011-02-15T00:02:00.000-05:00

That's it's been too long between blogs.......and I agree! It's just been a busy two weeks, I moved, am unpacking and getting ready to go for surgery tomorrow, so.....I wanted to make sure I at least got you all caught up with the store stuff!

We had a fabulous class on the 9th - Miniatures - and I will show a few pics of what was made.....

Here's Nancy's - she's totally focused....

This is Helen's.......

This is Barb's.......

.....and finally mine......I took the class! Elaine was amazing as usual!

This is mine finished....not quilted yet but the top is done!

...and here's Barb's, also finished but not quilted yet!

Why am I showing you all this - because....I am hooked and so is Barb so there is a Miniature's Club coming in the near future! We'll keep you posted!

Now for the weekend - our BOM Aunt Millie's Garden is now officially on it's way and here are the January blocks........they are gorgeous! Can't wait to see how the black background evolves......

Here's Nancy teaching her - Next Step Applique - a higher level of applique than beginner and quite a nice pattern too! The ladies are all enjoying this class......

Liz kindly shared her blocks with us........they are really coming out nicely!

...and a rare shot of Nancy working - only kidding! She really works hard to keep her customers happy.....

Even though the construction is still going on next door we seem to be able to work through the noise, hopefully it will all be over soon and we can enjoy the old peace and quiet we always took for granted.....

I am off for the next week and will miss a few evenings at the store, Baltimore Album, The Art Quilt Club and possibly our Friday night Sit & Sew but I should be back in the swing by next Tuesday....I'll try to keep you all posted on my recovery! (I do plan on getting some quilting done this week but as they say - best laid plans, we'll see how I feel!)

Happy Quilting!

Jo-Ann

If I could hear myself think!???!

2011-01-29T12:23:00.000-05:00

This has really been a week! The unit next door to ours has finally been rented out and they have started renovations! The noise, along with all of the other issues that go with renovating has been deafening - really hard to think! I know that Kathy, Sharon, Nancy and I have been counting the minutes some days to quitting time just to get away from it! Hopefully it will be over sooner rather than later......they say only a few weeks!?!?!

At any rate, we are still carrying on as usual and with that Nancy has chosen her colors for Block 2 of Aunt Millie's Garden - they are gorgeous as usual!

Here's the block she's going to teach in month 2! Another stunner.......

I also wanted to share this quilt with you! If you remember, in the fall we had the reveal for the Border Creek Mystery quilt - this was Gail's! She took it to Sandy Lindal to have it quilted and picked it up yesterday! She came right over to show us and to pick out some binding.......

Sandy did the most fabulous quilting job - feathers in those gorgeous gold blocks.......

.....then piano keys on the borders, it's really stunning! And Gail's choice of fabrics is so beautiful!

One more look with Gail (the shorter side) and Nancy holding it up.....truly a masterpiece!

FYI - Sandy is taking in quilts for March so book now! With her fabulous quilting she will fill up really fast and I have one I've got to finish piecing for her too!

Last night was Applique Club - so a little Bruschetta, some cheese and crackers and of course grapes - the only thing missing was the wine, and we fuelled up to work on our hand work.......

It was a full table and the Baltimore Albums and Aunt Millie's Gardens seemed to be the work of the evening. I was working on my Farmer's Wife.....

Probably the last quilting I'll get to do until after I move....

Happy Quilting!

Jo-Ann

Do you know Murphy?????

2011-01-26T21:29:00.000-05:00

I'm not sure if any of you are familiar with Mr. Murphy but lately I have become quite intimate with this man......

Mr. Murphy has a law - If it can go wrong, it will!

I was home packing, quietly minding my own business when I get a call from Kathy at the store......there was a "small" fire next door and she thought she should let me know! Everything seems to be fine, so not to worry!

Hmmm, well I was going to be teaching a class at 7:30 P.M. (private lessons) so I guess maybe I should head over a little earlier and make sure all is in order......

I walk in the door and amconfronted with 4 hunky fireman moving my furniture around and Kathy running from the back with buckets......we've sprung a leak! From the roof, etc.....and it's travelling along the beam in the center of the store....

The insurance adjuster and Cleanol were there within two hours and although it is still leaking at least I can sleep tonight becuase they have set up all the necessary contraptions to make sure there won't be much more, if any damage, but I thought I'd share the photos.....

Hope they put down enough buckets.....

I think it's safe to go home now!?!?! I'm sure Mr. Murphy will let me know if anything else can go wrong!

Happy Quilting! (maybe I'll get some done tonight to calm the nerves!)

Jo-Ann

What's happening at the "Doodle"!?!?!

2011-01-23T00:17:00.002-05:00

Let's begin with what's been going on this week - Sit & Sew on Monday and Thursday....I started my Beginner Machine Quilting Class on Monday night - Baltimore Album Block of the Month met Wednesday night and then Thursday night was Art Quilt Club...........

This is not a painting class - it is Still Life in fabric.....Mary pulled out a Katie Mausopest Pasquini book and led the girls in a study of still life.....it was awesome....

These women get together once a month to try out new techniques, critique their own works and just do some really cool stuff! If you are on the verge of breaking out of the "traditional" mode into art quilting - this is really a fun club! Just reserve a spot and come join them....there's always something new going on.....

Friday night was our monthly evening Sit & Sew and as is usually the case - we were full to bursting! 12 women spent the evening working on numerous projects and of course, schmoozing and we all had a great time. Dinner was Chicken Al Fredo with Salad and Mississipi Mud Cake for dessert......

Everyone was busy working hard, shopping and signing up for classes - lots of Aunt Millie's Garden sign ups - Nancy's quilt has totally inspired them! There's always room for one more and the first class is Sunday at 12:30 P.M......there are also kits available, fabrics chosen by Nancy! You'll love them!

Today was a "make-up" day for Healing Heroes/Quilts of Valour! In case you've already forgotten, January 8th was a bad weather day so I opened up some time for them today and let me tell you, these girls just keep producing those quilts! The one below is one of Andi's who just churns out quilts! A year ago she had never made a quilt! I'm not sure how many she's completed now but if you check back to about November of last year you will see her quilts appearing numerous times in the blog.......(we all "hate" her with a passion as we struggle to complete our projects - but honestly we love her dearly!)

Here's another Heroes quilt ready to go.......

This is another one of Andi's masterpieces........I love this, it's from the book Country Comforts by Cheryl Wall (I also love that book!).......

...and another Heroes quilt.......

......one more for Heroes...............

...and finally another....ready to go! These gals have made well over a hundred quilts! Pat is going to get me the exact figure and I'll let you know! It's wonderful to be able to play even a small part in this project! One of these days I hope to do more than just donate a classroom and the odd bolt of batting.......

That's Andi holding up one of our customers' quilts (it's not hers for a change!)

While I made coffee, Andi was helping this customer chose a border for this work of art.....

Here's the funny part of the story - she (the customer) brought the quilt in to choose a border, she doesn't like Batiks and she hates greens.....look very closely, this quilt is made with Batiks only and is primarily green! And it is stunning! We need to teach this one in the store, it's done with a triangle ruler and goes together relatively easily.......

This is always the highlight of my day! Helping customers choose something to go with their masterpieces or helping them choose fabrics to begin a new masterpiece......it took a lot of years but I finally found a "job" that I love.....

One of the eight ladies who came for Heroes today also enlightened me about a new book that's coming out which I plan on getting in as soon as it's printed! I'll keep you all in suspense and let you know when it comes in! We may even schedule a demo session - it's a really neat idea! I'll keep you posted.....

In the meantime I'm off to do my personal blog (http://www.creationsbyjoann.blogspot.com/) and then to bed....

Happy Quilting!

Jo-Ann

I have proof!

2011-01-20T10:34:00.000-05:00

Quilting is an addiction! On Saturday January 15th I awoke to a raging blizzard! I looked outside and contmeplated whether to open the store! If it wasn't for the fact that I own the store and I was the one opening up that morning - I would have turned around and either gone back to bed or downstairs to my studio to quilt - aha!

Driving up the Castlefield hill at 2 mph (because I have no tread on my front tires - another story!) I wondered if anyone would show up for Christmas Club, scheduled for 10:30 A.M.! I thought - who, besides me, would be crazy enough to go out in this weather?!?!

They came - from near, from far, by car, walking! They came! I was blown away! There were 6 of them! More crazy quilters.....and to top it off, before the storm abated there were customers coming in?!?!

It was alot of fun and we pretty much had the store to ourselves for the first hour but the phone kept ringing and everyone was gung-ho to get started on the first block of Welcome to the North Pole! (The books are in!)

I was really glad I got dressed, cleaned off the car and struggled up that hill on Saturday. However, I also found out that this addiction is incurable! I'm seriously thinking of writing a 12 step plan here!

On the other hand, what could be better than getting snowed in at a quilt store with thousands of metres of fabrics and all the patterns to go with it, not to mention a few sewing machines and rotary cutters! It's a quilters' dream!

Happy Quilting!

Jo-Ann

I am blown away........

2011-01-14T22:56:00.000-05:00

Nancy brought back Aunt Millie's - quilted - IT IS ABSOLUTELY GORGEOUS!
The quilter is Karen Power. I absolutely love her work but she has really outdone herself here - the quilt is phenomenal!

I have included a full size picture as well as some close ups of the quilting but you really have to see this close up and in person to appreciate it. It is currently hanging on our design board in the classroom and will be there until Monday (here for the Open House) then Nancy will be taking it home to finish putting on the binding, which by the way was cut on the bias and looks fabulous......it will then be hung in the store! So don't put it off - come and see it......

The Quilt......

A shot of the quilting on the border.....

One of the blocks quilted.......

A block and the border...........................

The bottom border, flower centers are yo yo's.............................

It took Nancy about a year to complete and now we're offering it as a Block of the Month - with Nancy's expertise of course! I'm so glad she took her time with it, it shows! I am just blown away by this quilt!

Happy Quilting!

Jo-Ann

Wanted to share.....

2011-01-13T00:22:00.000-05:00

Another fabulous customer quilt! Dorothy had admired a quilt I had made and had hanging in the store for quite awhile, she really wanted the same fabrics I used but they were sold out long ago -so she chose her own and made a fabulous quilt top herself!

The pattern is from 9 Patch Pizazz, it's a great book and it really does highlight fabrics that are just too gorgeous to cut into small pieces! This came out fabulous!

For those of you who attended the Sample Club last night (Dear Hannah, Dear Jane, The Farmer's Wife is Nearly Insane!) you will know that I lost my Farmer's Wife book and the blocks that I had already made - well I finally found them and you can read all about that at http://www.creationsbyjoann.blogspot.com/ which is my personal blog!

For anyone who's interested we got a shipment of notions in and the Patchwork Pins I rave about are back in stock! Along with loads of other stuff......

Don't forget our Open House is this weekend - Friday, Saturday and Sunday.....hope to see you there!

Happy Quilting!

Jo-Ann

"I taut I saw a puddy cat?"

2011-01-08T17:18:00.000-05:00

What can I say - it's the first thing that came to mind when I saw this fabric line! They just came in yesterday and already two panels and the co-ordinates to make the quilt are gone.........

So before they all disappear - here's what's new!

The Panel

The co-ordinates.......

The FREE Quilt Pattern......

I know quilters love cats and these are just too adorable to pass up......

On another note, it was a very stormy morning to say the least (not sure why I ventured out - oh yeah, to open the store!) and so the ladies pretty much cancelled the Healing Heroes Day so we are aiming for the 22nd of January if anyone is interested. (We'll call it a snow day!)!

As I arrived this morning (at 10:20 A.M.) I was surprised to see that there was a customer waiting for me!?!?! But not just any customer, a visitor from Ottawa with her husband on their way back home! It was so cool, to hear that she really wanted to see the store before she drove back home! I hope they made it to the Kingston and Belleville stores too, which was their plan! Well, seriously, isn't that the only way to plan a road trip, map out the quilt stores and time your stops!

Turned out she was not the only quilter who ventured out today! I have to admit though, I will be very happy to go home tonight and hibernate until tomorrow......or quilt, whichever feels better!

Happy Quilting!

Jo-Ann

Not so nice out.....

2011-01-06T19:17:00.000-05:00

It's around 7:00 P.M. and I think I am going to close up after I blog (excuse to go home and work on Molly's Meadow!), it's pretty nasty out thereand I really don't think anyone will be coming by tonight......

In any event, that doesn't mean we didn't have visitors today. Erica and Kiyomi dropped by and Erica finished this great quilt top - done with one fabric - a striped batik! Isn't it the coolest! I gotta try this - it's all about the angle you cut it for sure......

The next photo belongs to Linda Van Lierde, who with Karen Wold does a really cool presentation on the classes they have taken together and is doing this tonight at the Mississauga Quilters Guild. These are blocks from some of the classes she took this fall........

I would be remiss if I didn't show you Raili's gorgeous Circles of the Moon tablerunner done in a recent class at the store....it really is stunning.......

So our first Thursday Sit & Sew of the New Year took off and loads got done....Annadelle tells me she has organized all of her UFO's and thinks she hasmore than me (not possible!), I don't just have the ones at home, I have all the ones at the store too! In any event, her plan is to get them done!!!! Sound familiar?!?! We're all going to try this year.....for sure!

Andie came in to share a quilt she finished over the holidays (literally over the holidays - this was not a UFO - she started it and finished the top in the past month!) I'm drooling, it is all hand appliqued......it's from one of the Kim Diehl books - I think the new one but will have to find out from her.....

Nancy brought in a little piece she put together this past week (by the way, she says she updated her blog). She says she found these discarded Dear Jane blocks in the trash (Barb gave them to her, I think because she didn't like the colourway) so she made a small wall hanging which we are lucky enough to have displayed in the store......it is very Civil War but I really love it.....

Okay it's 7:15 P.M. and the snow is still coming down and I have to clean the car - ugh! But I really don't think there are going to be any quilting "emergencies" in the next 45 minutes so I am going to pack up and go home....seeing all this stuff has inspired me to work on Molly's Meadow....

Happy Quilting!

Jo-Ann

A day off!?!?!

2011-01-02T23:33:00.000-05:00

Well, although the store was technically closed.......the monthly meeting of the Stitch'n Bitch still had to go on! So I only sort of had a day off!

As usual Show and Share with these girls is always a treat! They really do produce so much - it's so much fun! Christina has been really busy - she got her baby quilt back from Cathy Petrie and she did a phenomenal quilting job....check out the ice cream cones.......

Here's the front, Christina did a great job too!

She also finished the top of a Spiral Table Topper (Designs to Share) and will have it ready for next Christmas for sure......

Cathie finished one of her Christmas gifts for Nathan - a great BBQ apron.....I believe it's the 1 Yard Apron pattern and she added a pocket full of garlic!

We really had a full house so my choice of Red Pepper and Zuchinni Lasagna was a good one......

They definitely enjoyed lunch......

Nana Una finished her Easy Striped Table Runner (The Quilt Company) and it looks fabulous! Cathie's new project is there next to it....

Donna is working on this one....with alot of help!

Christina has started something that look like it is going to be gorgeous!

Anne was busy working on her Border Creek Mystery clues, Rebecca was working on a Christmas Table Runner (for next year) and a really cute wall hanging (will have to get the name of that pattern too!)....didn't catch what the other three were doing.....mostly checking out books and socializing I think!

It was loads of fun and didn't really feel like work so maybe I did have the day off!

I know one thing, I couldn't wait to get home and get some of my own stuff done.....

Happy Quilting!

Jo-Ann

Happy New Year!

2011-01-01T23:59:00.001-05:00

Hope you all had a wonderful holiday! The weather was pretty interesting, warm, rainy!?!?

The newslwtter is on it's way by snail mail and will be up on our website in the next couple of days. We are really excited about this one - lots of new ideas and new classes!

Nancy and I had fun on Thursday and Friday, we were pretty busy with the sale on, not to mention having some wonderful visitors from Norfolk, England, Kingston, Ontario and Boston, Massachusetts! Quilters travel and when they travel they look for quilt stores! I know when I'm on the road I'm always looking for quilt stores. What fun it is to meet all these wonderful people!

Nancy brought in one of her recent projects...check it out! I love it and now of course I want to make my own!

We also picked out the fabrics for our new Block of the Month - Aunt Millie's Garden, there are 2 colourways - Brights and Classic!

Month 1 - Brights

Month 1 - Classic

Month 2 - Brights

Month 2 - Classic

How can you resist this quilt!?!? If you love applique, this quilt will definitely be on your TO DO list.....

On another note, and in the spirit of "catching up", last Wednesday was the final meeting of the Patchwork Sampler Block of the Month. It's truly amazing what these girls did with their scraps.....okay, there were a few fabrics purchased for this one but mostly they went to their stashes to do this quilt....

Here's Linda's.....in batiks!

Here's Barbara's on the right.....she's a new quilter! Awesome!

Here's Kristin's......

Here's Rosemary's....with post it notes for numbering the blocks!

Here's Pat's - wait a minute, that's not Patchwork Sampler! Oh, okay, she had guests this week and couldn't find her blocks (likely story) she's working on a book panel quilt.....

...and Jean's doesn't seem to be here either! Well they've decided to make a date in the New Year to meet and show off their quilts....I can't wait!

I'm off to do some quilting myself!

Happy Quilting!

Jo-Ann

Just thought......

2010-12-30T19:54:00.000-05:00

I'd take a moment to share some fabulous photos I received recently from customers.....

It so gratifying to see projects completed and being put to use and it's also really an inspiration for us all to get those projects we've been neglecting done.....you know, the ones we were so excited about when we started them, knew exactly where they were going to go, but they just took a little (lot) longer then we expected them to (ugh, I have so many!)

Marie Claire from France sent me this fabulous photo of her completed quilt from fabrics purchased in the store......and a free pattern we had on hand....it's awesome!

....and Julia sent us this photo of the two Batik quilts which she has been working on for quite a while. We, at Friday night Sit & Sews watched these come together over the last year and here they are - exactly where she wanted them......

They are both stunning quilts and we won't even ask how they got up there!

See what I mean, inspiring isn't it! You choose a project, knowing exactly where you want to hang it or use it and voila! You complete it and put it in place - what an amazing feeling of accomplishment! Or as John Hannibal Smith (A-Team) once said(over and over again), "I love it when a plan comes together!"

If I don't get back on here tomorrow I will wish you all a Fabulous, Festive New Year!

Happy Quilting!

Jo-Ann

Happy Holidays!

2010-12-26T00:55:00.000-05:00

I would like to wish all of you a very Merry Christmas and a wonderful Holiday Season! For the first time in 4 years we are closing for 3 days for the Holiday but we'll be back on Tuesday morning at 10:00 A.M............

On another note, I did manage to finish Gabriella's quilt in time for Christmas! She came by and picked it up Christmas Eve and I'm sure her mother will love it! It came out pretty good - her it is still under the needle....Sonia did a phenomenal job! However, I probably won't be doing any large size flannel quilts anytime soon!

Enjoy your holidays everyone!

P.S. Yes the rumour is true! The sale begins on Tuesday - our first Boxing Week Sale......

Happy Quilting!

Jo-Ann

Saturday's here!

2010-12-21T23:50:00.000-05:00

I know it's Tuesday but I'm still back at Saturday.......

It was the last meeting of this year's Christmas Club! T'was the week before Christmas and they brought all the treats, their quilts were all made, they conquered many feats! Okay - enough of that - cut to the chase!

First - there was Kristen - her top is all done! Now just the quilting, oh so much fun! (enough already!!!)

Next came Judith - she plans to complete it before Christmas (this Christmas!).......

This is one of Flo's blocks - how perfect, gotta love the star!

...here's the balance of what's done......maybe not this Christmas but a great start!

Raili did a fabulous job too - and hers is done! Quilted, bound and ready to go up on the wall or on the bed....

Here's a close up - it's really wonderful!

This one is Karen's - all ready to be completed! Another gorgeous quilt done!

Here's a close up - great details!

Linda's is just about completed too! She wants to do a little more quilting but I love the yo-yo's on the border.....

It looks beautiful and very close to the original book - Candy Cane Lane by Melinda Bula!

Check out the 3 dimensional poinsettas!

Another close-up!

This is Beth's - check out the kitty cats...... they are all over this quilt!

You can see the books on the fireplace mantle where the stocking is hung......

There are kitty cats in front of the house too! Awesome!

Here's Elaine, giving them a preview of next year's $10.00 Christmas Club quilt and they've all signed up again!!!! I think I may get on this wagon too! Should be alot of fun!

Well, I'm almost caught up! Still plugging away at the newsletter and it should be out in a few days!

Happy Quilting!

Jo-Ann

Moving right along......

2010-12-19T23:35:00.000-05:00

So, it being Sunday I will move on to Friday!?!?! Another Sit & Sew, our monthly Friday evening and it was awesome!

Great food (I did not make Macaroni & Cheese), great quilting friends and great fun!

We all had no problem admiring Claudette's Piecemaker quilt.....she is doing an absolutely amazing job.......

This quilt demands a closer look, the detail is truly amazing......this is the left side of the trees and the moose, check out the ribbon embroidery......

The geese relaxing on the pond, and again the beautiful embroidery! Notice the bear cubs climbing the tree on the right side....... and the frog sitting at the edge of the pond........

Again - the grogeous embroidery........around the pond - she really got the daisies (anemones) right and it just looks awesome......

We were all in awe of the work Claudette has put in so far and it is just stunning.......

The flying geese are also very detailed.....and the beading around the sun is wonderful! Click on the photos to enlarge them and see even more detail..........

After Claudette took down her quilt, up went one of Linda's current projects! It's a "quilt as you go" done from scraps of 30's fabrics and it is going to be gorgeous! We all want to do one! Underneath are the placemats Barb is currently working on........

We all stepped back to admire Rosemary's Underground Railroad Quilt which is now complete except for an outside border she's going to add.....the broders are up on the right side of the quilt.....

I actually started one of these last year (correction I started two, one in each size) and have about 3 blocks done......it's so frustrating, I wonder if I'll ever get back to this project - at the moment it doesn't look like it will be anytime soon.....but I am determined to try!

We were able to leave around midnite when Gillian finished one of her many projects.......wait until you see Saturday's fun!

Happy Quilting!

Jo-Ann

Always trying to....

2010-12-19T00:40:00.000-05:00

...catch up! This blog is being written on Saturday night and all the pics are from Monday December 13th! What can I say - only 5 days behind.....

The good news is the Newsletter will be going to press early next week! So I'm only sorta behind.....

Monday's Sit & Sew was a blast! Once a year (or more) the girls who pretty much hang out every Monday together have a holiday Pot Luck and exchange gifts.....

They all brought amazing dishes - as usual! I honestly believe that quilters are the best cooks! Of course I'm a little biased....They were busy setting up for a while!

Then the line up to fill our plates........

A little bit of Show & Share.........this one's Linda's and it was quilted beautifully by Sandy Lindal with dancing Maple Leafs....

Then we all got down to the important task of eating.........although Gail was too busy taking photos........

Then the gifts came out - the fun part is - you may open one but you won't necessarily be taking it home, these girls can be ruthless - stealing each other's gifts but, it's all in fun and we all have a wonderful time with it!

The girls were also treated to fabulous sewing bags made by Gillian! I didn't get one - my gift was a little different.......and of course "rooster" themed......not sure where she found these great gifts!

Then it was time for the "group" photo.......

...and a good time was had by all!

Happy Quilting!

Jo-Ann and "the Chicks!"

Let's back up......

2010-12-12T18:49:00.000-05:00

...to Thursday's Sit & Sew. A little background info - Thursday's Sit & Sew used to be the Underground Railroad Club which met one Thursday of every month. This was in addition to the Tuesday evening once a month when Underground Railroad Club met. Then Moday's Sit & Sew filled up to the point of bursting and we designated another day to Sit & Sew which is slowly but surely filling up too! So, why am I telling you this - because Myrna came in on Thursday with this fabulous quilt which she has been working on and which she started when she joined the Underground Railroad Club which met once a month on a Thursday.......she has completed it and it IS gorgeous!

...and she hand quilted it too! Look at the fabulous stitching..........

Annadel is working on something gorgeous too! I can't wait to see it finished, it's grown even since this photo so I'll have to get another one next week - trust me, it will motivate her to work on it! It's not that she needs the motivation but we all need a little push sometimes......

With everything going on at home (showings and Open Houses) my son Jonathan seems to be a constant visitor to the store, we're going to have to put him to work!

You know how I love seeing your quilts in progress! Well - this is Louise's Bargello Quilt which is from the class that Elaine taught earlier this year. She came in looking for borders today and I asked if I could get a photo. She's got about 5 rows to go but it just looks awesome........We didn't manage to find a border in our selection and I'm glad she didn't just SETTLE for something to have it done! I would rather she walked out empty handed than unhappy with the final product......we don't always have the EXACT fabric people are looking for, even with the large selection we do have......

I was blown away today! A brand new customer came in, first time in the store, looking for a backing for a quilt she's making...... She pulls this little book out of her bag and I see it has a bunch of fabric swatches in it....of the quilts she's making or has already made......

So, it's one of those Dollar Store/Walmart 4" x 6" photo albums ..... she cuts her swatches and keeps it in her purse in case she sees something she needs.....like the backing for a particular quilt! I do carry swatches around when I'm planning a trip to a quilt store but how handy is having with you all of the time - what a great idea!

Okay so now, what's new! Check out these gorgeous fabrics! There is supposed to be a panel with them but it hasn't come and I'm not sure if it will, however, I don't care because I already have a plan for these fabrics!(This is definitely my problem - I have a plan, but no time to execute it!) I will try to make time (before it all disappears!) No Libby - you cannot have the whole bolt!

The other day I spilled the beans on Nancy's big secret! Well while she was working on Aunt Millie's Garden she also found time to, albeit slowly, get this little gem of a wall hanging done! This was one of those projects she picked up and put down for quite awhile but at the end of the day - it really is a little gem! (Can I have it! Can I have it! I have the perfect spot for it in the new house!) It's a FREE PATTERN and we've even kitted a couple of them in the same fabrics Nancy used in case you fall in love with it too!

That's about all the news for today! I'm off to make dinner and watch Heartland (I love Sunday's), The Amazing Race, Desperate Houswives/Debbie Travis, and CSI Miami! All the while knitting or quilting away the hours!

Happy Quilting!

Jo-Ann

P.S. Has anyone tried the Frittata Recipe yet? I had a customer in today who said she gave it to her daughter who was planning a brunch - perfect!

Nancy's secret.....

2010-12-09T20:01:00.001-05:00

I am finally allowed to spill the beans......this is what Nancy has been working on for the past few months! Her version of Aunt Millie's Garden which we will be offering as a BOM come January......

For the moment the quilt is hanging in the store and will be here until next Friday when it goes off to Karen Power to be quilted.......It won't be back until after the holidays so to see it up close, and it really needs to be admired in person.....you'll have to get over to the store......

Our intention is to offer the Monthly Class with two kit options but this quilt can easily be done with your own fabric scraps.....it is just gorgeous done on Nancy's choice of a white background but will look equally gorgeous on any colour! Those Piece O'Cake girls really know how to design a quilt!

This one may be a little hard to resist if you're an applique fan. Come by and see it!

I am going back to my traditional piecing now.......(I am sooooo jealous!)

Happy Quilting!

Jo-Ann

Monday, Monday....

2010-12-07T18:28:00.000-05:00

We have been watching this quilt come together for many months and although it's still not quite finished, I had to take a picture of it! Elaine has been patiently putting together a deliberate scrappy quilt and it just looks awesome......

She's got about 9 blocks to go ------ can't wait to see it done!

We also had two birthdays - so I made a really tacky orange coloured cake with bright pink candles for the girls....actually the cake is a Florida Orange Cake, hence the colour......

Here are the Birthday girls blowing out the candles - left Cathy and right - Effie.......

Now I get to the important stuff (for Rochelle)! I made a Frittata for lunch yesterday - the same one I made last Sunday for the Hilary Rice Workshop and it came out awesome....so awesome, some people asked for the recipe.
So here goes.....

Jo-Ann's Frittata (serves 12)

1 each - Red Pepper, Yellow Pepper, Orange Pepper
1 cup - Mushrooms, sliced
1/2 cup - Green Onions, sliced
Butter

Dice the peppers and saute all of the vegetables until soft.

In the meantime......

4 cups shredded Monteray Jack cheese
1 tbsp flour
2 cups shredded Cheddar cheese (I use Old Cheddar)
12 eggs
1 cup milk

Spray with Pam (or grease) a 13" x 9" Pyrex dish. Toss shredded Monteray Jack cheese with flour and arrange on the bottom. Sprinkle the shredded Cheddar cheese on top. In a separate bowl, beat eggs and milk. Once vegetables are done, place on top of cheese. Pour egg mixture over everything. Cover with plastic wrap and place in fridge over-night or at least 8 hours.

Heat oven to 325 and bake for 1 hour 10 minutes. Check center for doneness.

Serve hot and enjoy!

Okay, I have two quilts in my head right now for kits that need to be done and two more in my studio in the basement of the house that are waiting for me so I'm off to quilt.....

Happy Quilting!

Jo-Ann

It's THAT Sunday........

2010-12-06T00:10:00.000-05:00

Once a month, on a Sunday, things are really happening at the Doodle! The "girls" get together for the family "Stitch and Bitch" (their name not mine!) and they have a great time. This month they filled the room....

5 on one side.......

.......and 4 on the other side........

Lunch was served, not so promptly at 1:20 P.M. (I had to wake Jonathan this morning because of the Open House - see my blog) but they loved it - Spaghetti and Meat Sauce and a light salad.......they were so hungry they wouldn't move so I could take the pic.......

There were two birthdays today, Christina's and Cathie made her a mountain of chocolate cupcakes.......pink icing and sprinkles included.......

....and Gail's, Christina made her a Skor Cheesecake!

Having had a little taste of both of these wonderful desserts I have to say.......I couldn't have done better myself!

Then they had to show off their Christmas socks.........

...and finally we get to see some work! There are some patterns that are just classics. Cathie has been working on this Atkinsen Design pattern for a while, it's Stars and Strips and it's a classic! It really came out phenomenal, all in batiks! It's now on it's way to Cathy Petrie to be quilted.......

This is Christina's 9 patch - a Linus quilt, which she quilted herself and today added the binding.....Kudos Christina - it really looks awesome......

Even though I didn't get pictures of what everyone was working on, suffice it to say they were as they always are, extremely industrious.......and I have to admit they make me very jealous! I always feel so inadequate watching them - I never seem to get anything done! Need to turn over a new leaf - oh wait a minute, that's next month, the resolutions and everything......

Okay, I can wait, in the meantime I'm going to go do some knitting!?!?!

Happy Quilting!

Jo-Ann

For those of you.......

2010-12-04T02:16:00.000-05:00

....who follow this blog, you will know that I tend to go off on tangents about what's happening not only in the store but in my life.....

Nancy says I do it too much so, seeing as I have been so successful (not) and consistent (not) with the Cock A Doodle blog, I decided for those of you who are actually interested in reading "my personal" sagas in life I would create my own blog.....it is aptly named Jo-Ann's Creations, Trials & Tribulations! and can be accessed on the right side of the page under our favourite blogs.....

By the way - someone should tell Nancy to update her blog.....

Happy Quilting!

Jo-Ann

NEW News......

2010-12-03T09:28:00.000-05:00

I personally have been waiting for this fabric to arrive for a while! I have plans! None that will be coming to fruition any time soon but I absolutely love this fabric......

Yes - it's Kaffe Fassett and it's stunning! I'm holding out for a few others that are on back order then I'm taking a "vacation" from everything and getting a quilt done that I have had in my head forever.......

I have to warn you all - 5 metres of this has already left the store! .....and I didn't touch it yet!

Have a great day everyone!

Happy Quilting,

Jo-Ann