It must be May.....

The newsletter is on it's way to you all!  Hoping you'll love the class line-up, I tried to throw in a little of everything and there will be more coming.....

Yesterday was Healing Heroes - Quilts of Valour day at the Doodle and Judy brought in yet another completed quilt for which she quickly whipped up a pillow case to match.....

This is a great pattern and the quilt is really awesome - loads of leaves in the boxes.....She quilted the boxes in the ditch and then meandered inside and outside the boxes.  There were another 8 finished quilts delivered to Virginia, then Pat, then Alison as well.  These ladies just keep producing gorgeous quilts.....

I have received all of my blocks for the 9 Patch Exchange and since my dear friend Debbie came in to quilt with me yesterday I began work on the quilt top.  Since there is going to be a reveal planned I will give you this one pic to whet your appetites and you will have to figure out what I'm up to......

Jo-Ann's 9 Patch Exchange Quilt

I am thrilled with the way it's coming along so I honestly can't wait to get it done.  Stay tuned!  I think today I received the last group of outstanding blocks so everyone will receive all of their blocks and they too can make some awesome quilts.  Can't wait to see them all!  It may even inspire another exchange!

Happy quilting!

Jo-Ann

P.S. If you want to see what's happening with The Farmer's Wife head over to Jo-Ann's Creations, Trials & Tribulations.

More, more, more.....

It's always a treat when new fabrics arrive!  I am always trying to figure out what I would do with them myself but these are all for you!  They are very rich and you can see the gold and silver flecks in the fabrics if you look closely.  I have been pairing them up in my mind with some of the fabrics in the store and they are great......

 New fabrics - $11.95 per metre

Need a quick baby quilt?  This kit couldn't be quicker.  I think the top took about 2-1/2 hours from start to finish.  The quilting didn't take long either.  The pattern comes complete with quilting tips and is provided by Cock A Doodle Quilts.  This pattern is called Little Lambs.

Little Lambs Quilt - $39.95

The kit comes in 3 colour ways, Pink Polka Dot,  Pink and Blue Polka Dots.  Come on and pick up a couple, it's always good to have something quick and easy on hand for those un-"expected" baby gifts.

 Pink Polka Dot

 Pink

Blue Polka Dots

The pattern is also available on it's own.  Choose your own "theme" fabric and go from there.  It's a very versatile pattern.  You'll find everything you need to complete this quilt at the store......

....and don't forget about that gorgeous Block of The Month - Amish With A Twist!  It's filling up fast .....

If everything goes according to plan I will be working on this quilt during my upcoming personal retreat.  The store closes on Thursday March 28th at 6:00 P.M. and reopens on Tuesday April 2nd at 10:00 A.M..  I will be getting some much needed rest along with 4 days of quilting time!  Really looking forward to it!  Can't wait to show off this quilt top!

Happy Quilting!

Jo-Ann

D is for DONE!

Just a quick note to tell you to check your inboxes for the "mini" newsletter which should be on it's way momentarily!!!!

Took all day but I get it DONE!!!!  And, Marc is busy prepping it to put out the e-mail.  All the new e-mail addresses have gone out to him too!

Hope to see you all in some of our upcoming classes.  Mary, Carolyn and I are anticipating lots of students.

It's late and I am going home to have dinner and get some quilting done....

Happy Quilting!

Jo-Ann

What we create!

I love Carolyn's classes!  I love Carolyn's work!  She is so creative and truly brings out the best in her students.....

Being summer it's hard to schedule classes but we managed to get three sign-ups for Saturday's class with Carolyn - Bedazzled Daisy.  I managed to sit in for a good portion of this class and watched as the girls created masterpiece after masterpiece and they had so much fun doing it too!

Paula's flower came out stunning!

 Rita's is coming along beautifully.....

 Pat's is also looking amazing!

 Here are all three on the design board....

 Rita's after being cut out and ready to go on the background she chose!

 Paula's cut out and ready for her background....

...and Pat's still on the base fabric but soon to be cut out too!

What can I say but WOW!  We will definitely be running this class in the fall along with another STUNNER which Carolyn gave us a sneak peak of! 

Coming up this weekend is one of our In Store Retreats - you can come for a day or for all four days - there are still a few spaces available.  Also next week begins the Beginner Sampler - three sign ups already so if you like this quilt - it would be a good time to sign up.

Also in July - Jacob's Ladder and Sock It To Me! - a few spaces left there too....

Off to do some laundry and work on my 9 Patch Exchange blocks - which are going great and it's so cool to get the blocks back at the end of each month and see what everyone has made.....

Happy Quilting!

Jo-Ann

...and again!!!

...time flew while I was busy doing something else I guess!  I also appear to have left the camera at home so the only picture is Bedazzled Daisy which is really a reminder that the class is on Saturday and we have a couple of spaces available.......

This is Carolyn's newest class offering and it's going to be great fun doing it.  Come spend the day with us, lunch is, as always, included and you don't even need to lug your machine......

Before I forget (and just in case time gets away from me again) our In Store Retreat starts on June 28th - Jul 1st.  You don't have to come for the whole 4 days - you can sign up for 1, 2, 3 or all 4 days.....but if there's a project you need to get done we can motivate you, assist you or teach you how to put it together.  No distractions and all meals included - you can't get a better deal than that!!!!

Today was Sit & Sew and as you all know lunch is included.  I am always racking my brains for what to serve and yesterday, being my day off, I did just that....  About midnight I finally came up with an idea and with a little help from an old recipe book I was able to finalize the menu.  The girls were so impressed that I decided to share the "recipe", especially the dressing with all of you.  This really makes for a nice summer salad - no cooking involved unless you add the chicken.....(however, you can get pre-cooked chicken at the supermarkets these days - so it is possible to do no cook).

Okay - here goes....

Greek Salad with Chicken and Mint Vinaigrette

6 cups assorted salad greens

2 cups cut-up cooked chicken

1/3 cup crumbled feta cheese

1 medium tomato, cut into wedges

1/2 medium seedless cucumber cut lengthwise and into slices

1 small green bell pepper, coarsely chopped

2 medium green onions, sliced

12 Kalamatta or large pitted ripe olives

Prepare salad ingredients in large bowl.  Toss with vinaigrette.

Serves 4

Mint Vinaigrette

3 tbsp. lemon juice (I use a whole lemon)

1-1/2 tsps chopped fresh mint leaves

1/2 tsp salt

1/8 tsp pepper

1 small clove garlic, finely chopped

Shake all ingredients in titghtly covered container.  (I use the Magic Bullet which really mixes it well and draws out all the flavour from the juices - if you have a small blender - that will work too!)

I served it with warmed bread and butter and it really was delicious!  The best part of course, was it took less than 1/2 hour to prepare.  So quick, easy, no cook - who could ask for anything better on a humid day!

Enjoy this recipe and check for more on our blog - I'm pretty sure this is not the first time I've posted one.....

Happy Quilting!

Jo-Ann

Lots to see!

I always say I love seeing what all of my fabulous customers are up to and this pic coming up is no exception.  On March 28th, Barb taught a class for Beginner Paper Piecing - they all had a fabulous time and here's what they did....

....and a little birdie told me that some of them are already finished their tops and are making a second one......

Monday was a great day at the "Doodle" for quilts, aside from being our weekly Sit & Sew - Sandy dropped in with Gillian's One Block Wonder and since Missy (Gillian's puppy) was visiting she was sure I just wanted her picture.....

 Sandy did her amazing quilting and Gillian made a spectacular quilt!

Gillian prefers the back and if you click on the following photo you'll see why - Sandy's quilting of course......

In the meantime Missy carried on until I took a few shots of her so I thought I'd share her with the world (my world anyway) and make her just a little famous!

My good side!

My backside!

My cat impression - I'm ignoring you now!

Kathy D. also shared a quilt quilted by Sandy which she is binding right now.  It's from the Quilt In A Day book Bears In The Woods (more on order) and is just gorgeous......

Sandy and Kathy chose a pine needle pattern for the quilting and it is just so perfect for this quilt.... check it out by clicking on the photo below......

Now we get to the "Lock In" - oops!  I mean retreat - so here goes!  Some of the ladies decided to get a head start on the Retreat which officially starts this evening - so I decided to make it a challenge - will they get their projects done - well let's just see......

Raili has decided to quilt her NY Beauty

Karen is working on a "secret" - it's a Tinner she's involved in! (Likely story..)

Linda is showing off FQ's and her O'Tannenbaum pattern so we'll assume one goes with the other......we'll see!

Now - this is my space, note cookbooks, and I will be clearing my space so I can actually get some work done at some point but since I am also the chief cook and bottle washer, we'll see how quickly that will happen!  My first goal is to get it organized so that I can work in that space!  Good Luck with that!  Right now I am off to make a Key Lime Pie for tonight's dessert!

Okay, that takes care of the Early Birds, stay tuned for a late blog about the rest of the "Retreaters".  We will be here until Sunday at 5:00 P.M., some of us even coming back on Monday.....should get lots done!!!!

Happy Quilting!

Jo-Ann

February already!!!

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

We had a ball!!!

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

and more Retreat!

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