Spring quilting!!!!

As much as I love gardening, quilting is still my passion and luckily it is shared my many other quilters.  Babies are born and they need quilts to be bundled in, there are wedding quilts to do and milestone birthdays that deserve our very best gifts - quilts!  There are those dreaded deadlines and so we continue to quilt.....

First I will bring you up to date as to where I am on that gorgeous Amish With A Twist....I have started doing the outside of the blocks....

Block 2

Block 3

I should have more done but as many of you know by reading my blog - www.creationsbyjoann.blogspot.com, I have been obsessed with The Farmer's Wife of late.  I'm hoping to get more done in the next few days.

I will also share with you some fabulous customer quilts I've been lucky enough to be inspired by....

First Kay and her friend made this fabulous quilt at Laurissa's Bloomin' 9 Patch class....

Cathie has been working on this quilt for about 10 years but that actually includes selecting the fabrics.  It's that fabulous pattern, Yellow Brick Road and it is stunning.....

This pic shows the blocks - she came by one Friday night to "babysit" me (I think it was May 10th) and marked her rows and blocks.

Yesterday we had our monthly Sunday Stitch & Bitch and check it out!  They held it up sideways but - still effective......

Chris never ceases to amaze me with the quilts that she produces and this month (May) at our Stashbusters (Scrapaholics) Club night she didn't disappoint.....

Here are two quilts she did, changing them up but using the same strips....using different backgrounds they look completely different.....

She is also working diligently on one of Bonnie Hunter's patterns and each month it grows.....

Liz came by last week and showed off this gorgeous quilt which I believe is a wedding present and she was getting it off to the long arm... (wish I could take a decent picture - ugh!)

The last quilt and really an inspiration belongs to ????  Okay, I know it is very unlike me but as many of you know I am within my rights to use "chemo-brain" as an excuse here,  I cannot remember who brought this quilt in, so someone has to "own up" and help me out here.....

I would like to introduce you to the new "boss" at Cock A Doodle, in case you haven't met her yet -----  This is Missy!  She belongs to Gillian and when Gillian is in the store, Missy is there to look after us all!

She's very photogenic and loves having her picture taken.....

She also has her own "throne" - our very own Queen of Quilts!!!!  Her favourite spot is on top of the quilt!

Gillian is away for the next few weeks so the "boss" is off for a while.  I have to say, I really do miss her.

Happy Quilting!

Jo-Ann

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.

Happening at the "Doodle".....

You know how I love sharing customer quilts and this week at the Thursday Sit & Sew I was in luck (actually it was last Thursday for the first one)!

Linda saw that I had the Charm Squares of Fairy Frost from Michael Miller in stock so she brought in the quilt she made from the Charm Pack she bought a few years ago.  She teamed it up with some light grey/white Fossil Fern and a great black sky fabric.  Used the disappearing 9 patch pattern and Voila, an absolutely gorgeous quilt which reads like a color wheel.  It's absolutely stunning and we discussed how she is going to quilt it.  I can't wait to see it finished.

 Disappearing 9 Patch with Fairy Frost

Chris is working on this Lantern Quilt which is for the Momiji Bazaar on Saturday March 23, 2013 at the Momiji Health Care Society, 3555 Kingston Road in Scarborough from 12:00 noon - 3:30 P.M..  She's just finishing the quilting which is absolutely gorgeous.  She's doing a free hand Mctavish which really gives a lovely texture to the quilt.  She hasn't got too much left to do, which is a good thing since the bazaar is only a week away....

Chris's Lantern Quilt

 Closer look at the quilting (click on the photo to get a closer look)

We moved on to Stashbusters Club and Chris pulled out two projects she's working on.  One is from Bonnie Hunter's Adventures with Leaders and Enders and the other is a strip quilt.  The fabric she's using as a background against the strips is striking!  Can't wait to see this one sewn up.....

 Chris's scrap projects

Linda was layering a charity quilt while I was working on the quilt from @#$% which I finally finished at Friday night Sit & Sew.  I had plans to start my scrappy pineapple, I even had printed off the foundation sheets in readiness but like Linda, I was determined to finish what I had started so I guess it will be next month when I finally start using up all those scraps I painstakingly organized.

I was more than relieved when I completed the quilting last night on the baby quilt I am finishing for a customer.  This is the quilt I complained about recently because a sheet was used for backing.  Unfortunately, not only was it a nightmare to quilt because the sheet kept shifting but in the end it was not large enough for the quilt and after squaring it up, Mary helped me by adding on a small strip of muslin and putting on the binding.  I decided to give this new mother a break and hand sew the binding on but a lesson to be learned - NEVER USE A SHEET AS A BACKING!!!!  Got quite a bit done tonight while watching the hockey game - another heartbreaker but at least the Leafs got a point!!!

Now I can move on to my next priority - 9 patch blocks!  I also have to get to the new newsletter (what - again!!! how time flies!)  Tomorrow is my day off and I'm hoping it will be a productive one quilting wise!

Happy quilting!

Jo-Ann

Been a while......

I'm not sure where February went!?!  Did any of you see it whiz by?  I know that it's been a pretty busy month schedule wise for me so I get where the days (and nights) went, but I feel like I missed something....  I know it's also a short month which partially explains the speed at which it went by, but I still feel like I missed something....

Many of you had the good fortune to escape the "winter blahs" this month and I hope you all had a great time, wherever you chose to travel.  March will be here in a couple of days and I've got loads planned for the month...stay tuned for the news!

I thought I would share a little project I'm working on for one of my customers.  I am sharing this project with you because this little project is causing me a lot of grief!  

I have, in my short career as a quilter (about 13 years), become a "purist", especially after my struggle with this little baby quilt.  My customer decided to back it with a bed sheet.  She asked me to just quilt each square about 1/4" in from the seams.  Ordinarily this would not be difficult, however, with the bed sheet as backing it is constantly shifting.  I have pinned it 4 times so far after having to take out a number of my quilt seams.

 Baby Quilt

Back of baby quilt - pinned

You can see by the above photo, that even though it is pinned, if I continue to quilt it, I will have a number of tucks.  Alas, it has to be pinned yet again.  I'm not 100% sure why this is happening, only that the sheet seems extremely slippery and as I quilt it, it moves around.  Hopefully only a few more "pinnings" and I will be done. It's definitely taking a lot longer than I anticipated.

I can't wait to get back to my other quilting projects!  Finishing all of my 9 patch exchange blocks (yes, I am a bit behind), quilting my Amish Shadow, working on my Urban Nine Patch and starting (yes, I said starting) one of my scrap projects.....

Of course there's all the other "store stuff"  I have to do too, so taking it one day at a time.  Splitting my days between quilting and book work.  Getting the new website ready to launch - so busy at night too!  Gotta get back to it!

Happy quilting!

Jo-Ann

Adding....

Have you seen these two fabulous books?  They are actually two of my favourite books for a load of reasons - the most important one being that they are catalysts in dealing with my unwieldy stash!  These books were both written by two very talented local quilters - Mary Elizabeth Kinch and Biz Storms.

 This is the latest book - Small Pieces, Spectacular Quilts and if you remember that handy little tool - the seam roller - that I mentioned a couple of weeks ago, well it appears again on page 21 of this book.  Many of the quilts in this book were quilted by local long-arm machine quilters - Margaret Mitchell and Sandra Reed. 

This is the first book and my copy is at home where I can't reference any of the really important stuff.....but, I do know that I have plans for my baskets full of scraps.....

Mary Elizabeth dropped in today to pick up some fabrics - can't wait to see what she's working on now.....so, in order to keep up with Mary Elizabeth I have, with her permission, added her blog to our favourites....so you can check her works in progress too!

I really have to get some packing done here so that we can get out of here quickly when the time comes (very, very soon!)  I also have a lot to do in terms of quilting so on that note I will wish you all.....

Happy Quilting!

Jo-Ann

Next step....

Rich finished the priming yesterday and was off to buy paint today.  Now that's been started so things are really moving along.  I might even post a picture in a couple of days.

I have to admit, I am getting very excited about the move.  Still trying to figure out what will fit and what won't but that won't be decided until we start actually moving the furniture.....

I am working on new samples for the store - cutting fabrics and we will start making up some kits as well.  Check the other blog to see what I'm up to as far as projects go (www.creationsbyjoann.blogspot.com).  Or you can wait to see the completed samples here, hopefully very soon.....

We'll see how much I can get done tonight - I'm still working on my 9 Patch Exchange Blocks.....

Will definitely keep you posted!

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

Yes I can!!!!

Who knew to own a quilt store you had a to be a techno geek too!  Okay maybe not quite that but seriously, when you do your own blog - you do have to know something and half the time I just give up with the old excuse, "I'm too old for this stuff!"

Today I perservered and you will now see, to your right - Cock A Doodle Tips with our first Tutorial for Precision Piecing which came about due to the 9 Patch Exchange we are hosting in the store. 

Keep checking the side bar - I'm sure we will be adding all kinds of little "tips of the trade" often.  I certainly enjoy sharing what I learn and listing my favourite products....

Happy Quilting!

Jo-Ann

Tip and a Teaser!

Two days in a row!  That hasn't happened in a long while!!!!  So which do you want first - the tip or the teaser!  I get to choose so I will go for the teaser.....

Many of you have admired this little wallhanging when you've been to the store and back in September we offered a class - well here it is again!

 Pop Up - Adding the 3rd Dimension 

The class will be offered as a two-day workshop, Saturday May 26th and Sunday May 27th.  This may be your last chance to take this class with Pam (Woodward) as she is leaving town!!!  Moving away and I'm not sure when we will have the opportunity to host a class with her at the store again. 

If you've ever wanted to add pizzazz to any of your quilts - this is the workshop you DON'T want to miss.  I personally would love to sit in on this one but I will be very busy making your lunches for those two days.  If you are interested and want to get a jump on the newsletter announcement, call the store and sign up now.....

Now the tip!

On Sunday I got a call from one of our 9 Patch exchangers - she was calling from the emergency at Sunnybrook!  She's okay - not to worry but, her index finger is missing a bit of flesh.....why you ask?  She cut the tip of her index finger off with a rotary cutter!!!!  She was using a small ruler, presumably to square up her blocks and a 45mm(usual size we use)rotary cutter.

I've had a couple of days to think about this little "accident" and I believe after testing the theory myself, I've come up with a solution.  When using "small" rulers - i.e. 6-1/2" squares and smaller, use a smaller Rotary Cutter, like a 28mm or an 18mm.  Checking it out with my 3-1/2" ruler (I'm also doing the 9 Patch Exchange) I found the 18mm was just the right size not to go over the side of the small ruler.......the chances of having an accident are greatly reduced!!!!

On that note - I will get back to working on the newsletter which I am sure you are all waiting for......

Happy Quilting!

Jo-Ann

A quick note!

So, from Wednesday nights class, the Wonderful 1 Fabric Quilts, I cut out the cat border fabric and placed it on the board.  (Note the PLEASE DO NOT REMOVE sign!)  I am spacially challenged and knew that if this quilt came down - it would never go up again the same way so, with determination I started piecing it Thursday morning.  I will not tell you how many times I had to "unsew" to get it right.  It's funny that from removing it from the design wall and walking to my machine across the room the "quilting elves" managed to change my blocks around so that when I sat down to sew, I sewed them the wrong way.....happens to everyone!

 Finally finished the top Friday night at Sit & Sew, I even have a few of the side borders on but need to cut more fabric so it will have to wait a few days before I finish it......

I am happy with the patterns that formed from the movement of the blocks.  It's taking all my will power not to grab a few of those bolts of fabric up at the front of the store and start chopping and sewing.....I can see where this method can become addictive.  It was fun!!!  See Virginia, I think it came out great - can't wait to see yours!

 Friday night was Sit & Sew and we had a great time.  Linda is making a growth chart for her grandson that is just awesome....the fabric for the giraffe is "fur" like and so soft, you just want to keep petting the giraffe.  It really is adorable.

 This is Gillian's take on Liberated Quilting - a class she took with Elaine last spring.  This is going to be awesome.  I can't wait to see the finished product.

 This morning was Christmas Club and I thought if I left the PLEASE DO NOT REMOVE sign up I might get lucky, but, alas, the ladies all wanted their blocks back....  This is one of the house blocks from O'Tannenbaum.....

 This is the second house from O'Tannenbaum....

 This is Annadele's door......!!!  In her defence she was away for two weeks!

 These are the blocks from Critter Christmas - hmmm, some are taking great liberties with the design......but that's allowed. 

If you've never done our $10.00 Christmas Club quilt you should come to one of the meetings and check it out!  They are loads of fun and it's great to see what the participants come up with each month.  They are so creative.....

I've got a class to prepare for this evening so I'm on my way home in a minute to get my creative juices flowing, and today's Christmas Club truly inspired that....There's also the "Tinners" group which we don't post any pictures of at this time.....when they are done possibly.

We've managed to wrangle another two participants in our 9 Patch Exchange, if you're interested and want to sign up, come in or give us a call.....you just need a bit of time, and an e-mail address!

Happy Quilting!

Jo-Ann

A bit of news.....

Last night was the first "class" night.  We hosted a free class to show off our February Feature book and pattern.

Wonderful 1 Fabric Quilts

We had a fabulous time....it's one of those books that gives you an "idea" of how to do the quilt block and then lets you loose with it and although I wouldn't let the ladies cut up their own fabrics last night (we were experimenting) - I had fun cutting up some great border fabric we had in the store.....

My attempt is currently up on the design wall and hopefully some time today I'll get it sewn up so you can see the effect.....This is really a fun quilt and the method is contagious, I am already thinking about all the borders I can play with in the store.....

Tonight is Barb's first Sock Knitting class which to my surprise is full!!!  She is always walking around with a "sock" in her bag and pulls it out whenever she has a free moment to work on it....  A few customers suggested we run a class and voila!!!  Who knew....  Looks like we will be stocking some sock yarns in the future!

Saturday morning is our Christmas Club meeting and I can't wait to get pics of all the great blocks everyone is working on....

Sunday - Beginner Quilt classes begin - Hand Piecing and Quilting and Machine Piecing and Quilting.  Lucky Stars starts next Wednesday.  Check the website www.cockadoodlequilts.com for all the classes coming up.  There are a few spaces available so don't procrastinate and don't miss out.

I have been mega busy this last month and I haven't really had time to post all the wonderful quilts everyone has brought in.... You all know how I love sharing customer quilts (I quilt vicariously through my customers!)....I get to see so many quilts that I want to do and just haven't got the time.....

Chris brought this one in last month on a Thursday Sit & Sew and we all just oooed and ahhhhed!  It is such a fabulous scrap quilt....

Linda brought this in last month at our Friday night Sit & Sew.  This is another quilt pattern I would love to do...I just love the crispness of the blue and white.

This quilt is also one of my favorites...it uses an overall floral and all the work is in the borders.  The outside border is scalloped after it's quilted.  Gillian and I worked on the scalloping about a week ago.  Hopefully I'll get to take one more photo before she gives it away to her friend who's favourite colour is purple.

Shirley brought this one in to share and pick borders.  She was thrilled with the way it turned out after I helped her pick the fabric.  I love One Block Wonder and have had one of my own in the works for a couple of years.  This may have inspired me to work on it some time soon.....  I can't wait to see this with the borders we chose.

Stashbusters Club Update

The first meeting of the Stashbusters Club took place last Thursday - we meet the second Thursday of the month and our next meeting is March 8th.  We discussed a number of great books for stashbusting as well as a few patterns.  The ladies got a free pattern and Linda shared her "9 Patch Exchange" quilt.  It's not finished yet but it is really spectacular.....she uses her 9 patches in the body of the quilt as well as the border.  These quilts are great stashbusters.

 Which brings me to the reason I showed Linda's quilt.  Cockadoodle Quilts with the help of Sandy Lindal is hosting a 9 Patch Exchange.  We are currently taking names and will be setting up groups to take part.  This is a free exchange and we will be offering some demos in conjunction with this program to help you all achieve beautifully completed quilts.....  So get your name in quickly so we can all get started!!!

Here are a few quilts that Sandy brought in to share with us, all made from 9 Patch Exchanges she was involved with.  They are all amazing....

 Simple design which is very deceiving - almost looks like a 4 Patch

 On Point with stars - just gorgeous!

 Sandy used some of the blocks in her binding too!

Classic setting, very effective!

I can't wait to see all the fabulous quilts that will come out of this exchange!  I'm very excited about this program and I do plan to be part of it!!!!  Come in and sign up or just give us a call and we'll reserve your space.  This is a part of our Stashbusters Club but does not require "membership" in the club!

That's almost all the news!  The rest is just about all the changes slowly happening in the store (because I am slow! and there are only 24 hours in the day).  We are slowly getting things organized and re-stocking everything that's been missing, including fabrics!  Takes a bit of time but I am certainly excited about it!  Come in and check us out!!!!

Happy Quilting!

Jo-Ann