Squirreling away Quilt Kits

This time of year, it's fun to watch the squirrels gathering for the winter.  When I watch them, I can kinda relate... I'm in the mood for preparing for winter too.    Preparing for winter sewing that is...

This Late Bloomers quilt is on the cover of the April 2012 American Patchwork & Quilting magazine.    I had put this quilt on my to do list some time ago.  I like it because it has a little applique, and it is mostly pieced.  There are several star blocks but the overall design is one massive star.

The guild set a challenge this year, and it is to make a star quilt.   So when I found that out at the meeting last week, I knew exactly what I would do.  The Star challenge is a great reason to move this quilt to the top of my to-do list.    Over the past week, I've been pouring through my stash, and I've cut a complete kit.   I've even traced and fused the applique the flower parts and cut them out.   It's now all packed away in a nice kit, and it'll come south with me this winter.  

That makes two kits that are now squirreled away.   What are you doing to prepare for Winter?

Making Badges for Model Train Enthusiasts

A golf buddy of my husband loves model trains.  He belongs to a local club and they put on volunteer displays.   He has looked into having a train design stitched on to sweater/vests for the himself and the other train enthusiasts.  They would wear them when they do public events and exhibitions.   At the local embroidery place, the setup fees and the low number required made it too expensive.

In talking to him, I suggested that a patch might be the way to go.   He thought that was a great idea and the guys could buy their own sweater or vest, then simply apply the patch.  So, with his help in picking out the right train design, I stitched out a sample.  He was thrilled.

This is not something I would normally do, but this guy has helped us out lots.  And it's nice to return the favor.

Presenting St. Dunstan's Raffle Quilt 2016

This quilt is a two block queen size quilt.   It's made up of the prairie flower block and the snowball block.   I'm trying to think of a name for the quilt.   I've been working on it a little at a time for the past month.   The St. Dunstan's Quilters will hand quilt this winter, and they will sell raffle tickets on it next year.  

Normally I wait until November to make their raffle quilt, but I was anxious to try the block.  I made the block,   Of course that lead to cutting a kit.   And that led to just making the blocks.    Well, here we are a month later, and the quilt top is done.

I've made the binding and when I decide on a name, I will make a label.  

Now, what to do in November?

The Makings of a Spool Quilt

As you know, I worked with Diane at Country Crafts and Curtains this summer on her Row by Row project.   I designed the row, produced the pattern and helped her implement this marketing program.  Neither of us knew how the program would work.   All we knew is what the Row by Row folks had told us about their previous years program.

The Row by Row program is now winding down.  Diane and I had a little sit down to talk about how the program was.  Diane loved the program and enjoyed every visitor she had.  

So, Diane is all set for next year's Row by Row program when the details are released next spring.  

As I sat there, Diane had a big roll of her new beautiful Batiks on her desk.    She handed them to me as a thank you for helping her out this summer.    I am thrilled.   I know exactly what I'm going to do with them.  I'll be using them in a project that has been on my to do list....  It's Edita Sytar's Spool Quilt.  I bought the book a few years ago, and it's now packaged up with the fabric, and will be coming south with me this winter!!

Thanks Diane!

Introducing The Sewing Room Blog

The Sewing Room at The Ville is now ready for Sewing.  www.thevillesewingroom.blogspot. ca.    You will see a lovely room to sew.  The bookshelves have lots of magazines and books for you to get inspiration from.  

Classes for the fall have been scheduled and more are being added regularly.  Class sizes are small, 8 - 12 people.  Class fees are reasonable...most around $25.  Some sewing days are being hosted by quilters you know.   Why not come out to sew with us.  

Let me know what you think.   Do you have a class that you've been waiting for?  Let me know and we'll see if we can get it scheduled.

I've put a link on my sidebar.   It looks like this.   When you find it, click on it, and it will take you to the Sewing Room Blog..   Please have a visit.