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