Day 2 in the classroom

 We were all pretty focused on our projects . Out of the 6 students in class 4 were doing paper piecing. Each a different pattern just to keep our teacher on her toes.

My pattern was for table runners in a leaf shape. Susan was doing leaf place mats . Sherry had a older pattern with a star burst and cat tails, which is going to be gorgeous, and Rosemarie was doing a runner that Michelle had designed. I didn't get photos of the other ladies as I didn't want to disturb them as they worked. Here are some of my progress.  And one with Susan and I with finished pieces just needing the papers removed and our teacher.

I want to say Thank you to Michelle from the MiMa Country Quilt shop for such a lovely week as well as her staff who helped in many ways. As well as having the giveaway of this retreat that Susan won. I know we will return either for a sewing get away or shopping. 

And thank you to our fellow students, our enjoyable week in the classroom wouldn't have been the same without you all. 

In stitches 

Annette 

Let the paper piecing begin

 As soon as we arrived in Duck Lake we stopped by the shop and classroom.  We took our machines in and had a visit with  Michelle the shop owner and our teacher. 

Michelle is a certified teacher in paper piecing through Judy Niemeyer and her designs. She has a lovely  selection of patterns and a huge  selection of batik fabrics to work with. And i shouldn't forget to mention the samples that are hanging through out the shop. 

Once we settled into our sewing spots we headed off to the hideaway where we would be sleeping and having our breakfast. The hideaway used to be a convent but has been remodeled to have new life as a bed and breakfast as well as a home.

The rooms were great. Susan and I shared a room with 2 queen size beds and a bathroom. The others also had queen beds and 2 shared bathrooms.  4 of us stayed at the hideaway.  

Boy there was a nice selection for breakfast,  fresh fruit, all types of yogurt  bread for toast and at least 5 types of breakfast cereal.

Wednesday morning we were early and after breakfast off to class. We started at 830 am and went until 8 at night. We were served such tasty meals for lunch and supper at the shop in the lunch and snack room just off of the classroom. 

In the classroom my spot is right next to my sewing buddy and good friend Susan. 

In stitches 

Annette 

Getting my bags packed

 

Here's  bag number one. The most important one..... the project bag. Boy I  got a lot in there.

Next the snack bag and then the clothing etc bag.

Off for a 4 night 3 day quilt retreat at MaMi's Country Quilts, in Duck Lake Sk. 

My good friend and quilty sister Susan wonthis prize  last fall at her quilt guild show.  We have been planning ever since. We even did a road trip with hubbies to pick out what we want to learn.

 Hint is in the photo.

Of course last week I caught a cold. I feel good now just a lingering cough which happens every time a catch a cold. Coughing  is not new to me as I have Sarcoidosis in my lungs and this is just part of it for me. Fortunately we,my doctor and I,  have this under control.  If this cough persists I will check in with him.

Sew off to pack and tidy up a wee bit before I head off.

In stitches 

Annette 

Working up a pattern

 Creating a pattern for my Project Tote with double handles and a window. I even made a mini Tote to use the zipper left over. Don't want to waste anything or put into the scrap bag. Hopefully we will test it out in March  with the Sit n Stitch ladies.

Main Tote 

 

Mini Tote 

In stitches

 Annette 

A little playtime

 

With a book from the library and my sewing supplies I had a little fun and just played. One little house with 4 sides to stitch on.

The book is a Quilting Arts how to book with a large number of quilt artists.  I will have to take it out on loan again for a little more playtime and some daydreaming. 

Check out your library to see what you can find for some playtime.  Don't forget to check the online books and magazines they have too.  

Well its -40 and as a true Canadian,  I'm off  to Sit n Stitch today.  The hot chocolate will be on. 

In stitches Annette 

Happy Valentines Day

 Just a short note to wish you all a Happy Valentines Day. 

And it happens to be 14 yrs since I started blogging.  

The post cards have just been created. One features reverse applique,  the other raw edge applique.  

Happy stitching 

In stitches Annette 

Sit n Stitch

 Tuesday is the day that we gather at the senior center to Sit n Stitch.  We have only been meeting since the end of November.  We average about 5 to 6 each week. 

The ladies work on many different things.  We have rug making , quilting, embroidery, knitting,  crochet handwork and more.

It has been great  getting to know the ladies more and about the things they enjoy doing.

We have a little challenge for those who would like to participate in. We are making up a tea cozy . Each one that has been made are great and each have a story behind it. 

Here's mine. I used the fabric left over from making a quilt for Victoria Quilts.  I had used a number of fat quarters.  With these I added  lace doilies and buttons. It's a little old fashioned but I think it's cute. 

Last week I tested out a pattern for a fat quarter friendly bag.  It used 2. I also tested out a pattern for 2 flap coin purse.

Now to get caught up with the block Wednesday with Pat Sloan.  From Jan to June 26 blocks. 

 In stitches 

Annette  

Back at my machine

 Well I'm back at my machine and quilting, im even using my rotary cutter.

 My finger is healing nicely.  Very tender when doing anything that involves touching.... which happens a lot in life. You just don't realize it until you have a booboo;0)

I have been working on my project Tote as a pattern as I have had a number of ladies asking for it.

I have worked on another quilted journal.  I'm making these for a market later this year. Hope they do okay. Another little item is a mug rugs, them seam to get some interest to.

One thing to remember as you enjoy your quilting and sewing is the the dust bunnies 🐰  are out there. Take a minute and clean them out. Your machine will treat you well if you do.

Time to see what I can get busy with next.

Happy Stitching 

In stitches 

Annette 

 

A few days away.

 I spent a few days in Humboldt at the Prairie Patchworkers guild retreat.  Its was a time to work on your own projects and enjoy each other's company.  A few of us were non members getting to know a few other quilters. There were good meals , random draws and lots of sewing and some show and tell. The games lady was unable to attend sew we had more sewing time.

I did manage to finish off the sashing and borders for my National Parks quilt by Pat Sloan and start on her Grandma's Kitchen which will run for 26 weeks. 

National Parks by Pat Sloan 

I made a rope bowl to switch things up while stitching blocks. I would have gotten more sewing done but I saw another quilter who seemed to be struggling with her quilt. 

Karen is her name and she is working on a quilt made with multiple sized printed panel type blocks. Having made a few of Pat's quilts I was able to help her get a good start on her quilt. She is doing amazing as she is pretty new to quilting. I hope she now has some confidence to continue with the quilt.  The Wednesday quilters have said they would give her a hand as needed. She sure had a beautiful smile when she looked at what she has accomplished sew far. I was happy to help.  No photo as it's a surprise. 

My finger is getting better. I used a glove most of the time cutting . Sew I am getting back into the swing of things. 

In stitches 

Annette 

Oh Happy Dance

 After a long wait the magazines have finally arrived.  

    Quilting Arts Winter 2025 issue.

This is the one I have an article in. My first!

You can order your copy here. 

https://www.quiltingdaily.com/product-category/magazines-ebooks/quilting-arts/

I sew glad I order a few, as I have not found them on the newsstand as of yet. 

Here in rural Saskatchewan we do not get the opportunity to purchase magazines locally and must go to the city. This is one that I do have a subscription for but mine is stuck in the mail somewhere out there. 

Finger is doing sew much better. A bit shorter but healing nicely.   Sewing and cutting again , keeping that finger well out if the way. 

More on that coming this weekon my activities. 

In stitches 

Annette 

Post cards and more

 Well I did get a couple more post cards made. This time I used a tea bag, bag label and a chocolate bar wrapper. The tea bag one has match stick quilting. The chocolate bar wrapper card has just a little ribbon added. The items had been gifted to me as treats from  Newfoundland.  I thought it would be a nice way to use rather than throw away. 

I did use some of the paint up on fabric for future use. 

But now alas I must put things on hold. I have injured myself with my rotary cutter.  

Sew take care out there

I will try to

In stitches 

What do you do

 When its -34c in the morning?

We hubby and I made German butter balls. They are kind of  a bread type dumpling. They go in chicken noodles soup . A comfort food in this house. 

We put them outside to freeze before putting them in a container 

I did get the quilted hug finished here it is. (I have a fair bit of binding left on the holder. )

Here are days 3 and 4 post cards. Day 3 post cart was made with fabric scrsps on my ironing board trimed off the quilted hug. The tree is on a fabric I made using a flour paste resit.

Well, soups 🍲 on .... with butter balls. 

Take care  stay warm.

In stitches 

Ahhh new phone.

 Learning a new phone and trying to find my account and then it changes things.....  ahhhh.

I will try my best to learn and fix it. 

 In the mean time I'm try to make a post card a day.  I will start with a month and go from there..

                   Day one and two

I am working on a quilted hug for a friend's mom. Lots of binding  made and now wrapped on a holder that came with some of the rope I made into bowls.

I have signed up for a collage class on line ,thinking I could use some of what I learn with on paper , I could use  on fabric . Always good to learn something new. 

What are you going to try new this year?

We are having a cold day here today. Sew it's stay inside and quilt or read. And figure out this phone some  more.

Stay cozy out there. 

In stitches Annette