Quilt Retreat Feb 2010

What a fun time we had at the February quilt retreat. We had a record number of attendees - 25 in total and the quilt room was a hum of activity all weekend. The weather was absolutely perfect, although we had a blizzard on Thursday and I was a bit worried about what Friday morning would be like. Luckily we woke up to sunshine and mild weather.

The weekend was especially exciting because it was the last weekend of the Winter Olympics so many of the ladies were running back and forth to the foyer to watch the various events.

Thanks to Monique we had 2 massage therapists come on Saturday to give massages and everyone seemed to enjoy that. We didn't have quite enough time to give everyone a massage but hopefully next time we can accommodate everyone.What a treat!

Winter Retreat

The excitement is building and the emails are fast and furious as we prepare for the Winter Quilt Retreat. We have a record number of attendees this time and a waiting list. The retreat is becoming a very popular event. It should be a fun time. Cherice and I plan to get an early start so we can set the room up and make sure everything is in order. I have run this retreat for so many years and I still love going. It is so special to spend a weekend with such wonderful friends and have a chance to catch up on what everyone is doing. I particularly love to see what everyone is working on as the projects are as diverse as the people attending which makes it all the more interesting. I'll take lots of pictures and post them when I get home!

The spring issue of A Needle Pulling Thread just hit the stores this week so be sure to pick up your copy and support this wonderful Canadian publication. Taylor's Sewing Centre has lots of issues available.

I've started planning classes for the fall and am going to have a new Block of the Month which is a wool on cotton project that is so sweet and a Jelly Roll Club which should be fun. I also have a few other surprises up my sleeve so we'll see what I can get done. Donna is going to order lots of new jelly rolls. Can't wait to see what arrives.

Be sure to visit www.northcott.net to see some of the new patterns Christine and I have designed. There is a commemorative Olympic quilt pattern and a couple of new designs for Hallowe'en.

originellie's update

Things in the studio are "heating" up. Christine and I are busy designing some quilts for Northcott, classes at Taylor's are filling up and the February Retreat is just around the corner. For the first time we are completely full and have a waiting list. The word is out and the retreat is becoming a popular event.

Christine and I had a very busy and successful studio tour "A Country Home Christmas". The tour was two weekends and the weather was perfect. We had a really good crowd both weekends. I think I will do it again this year.

Last Friday I had a Quilt til you Wilt night at Taylor's. Everyone was so productive and had a good time, yummy pizza and of course a little bit of chocolate!

The 1000 Islands Quilter's Guild is on Thursday, Feb 25 at 7:00 at Merc Hall in Maitland. Cheryl Swanson is the spotlight quilter so come and show her your support.

I'm already thinking about classes for fall 2010 and am working on a wool applique block of the month and a jelly roll club.

Another great retreat

Another successful quilting retreat has come and gone. Twenty two quilters spent the weekend sewing, eating, drinking, and talking (and not always in that order). I am in awe at the amount of work that was accomplished. Show and tell was stunning and I am sure that the quilts just get more and more spectacular every year. As usual, the staff at McIntosh Inn catered to our every whim. We are so lucky to have found a place that is so accommodating.

At Taylors, classes are winding down for the semester but we are having a teachers meeting in early December and I am sure the line up of classes for January will be better than ever. Visit www.taylorsewing.com to see the list of classes available.

Christine and I are working hard getting ready for "A Country Home Studio Tour". We've both been quilting up a storm and look forward to setting up at Linda Scallion's home. Tour dates are November 28, 29 and Dec 5, 6 from 10am to 5pm. Hope to see you then!

International Quilt Festival

Exciting news! A Needle Pulling Thread made its debut at Quilt Festival and the response was overwhelming. Carla and I worked long hours and introduced the magazine to anyone who would listen. There were so many people there and the crowds were still good despite the economic times. Shoppers were more selective about what they spent their money on but they were still spending - me included!

Elizabeth Dillinger's "Holiday Sparkle" quilt which was on the front cover of the Festive Issue and hanging in the booth was a huge hit. Everyone stopped to admire the quilt which was a great lead in to our spiel about ANPT.

The quilt show was stunning. I spent a bit of time admiring the Canadian exhibition as well as the Quilting Arts show. I could have had a lot more time but we were too busy to get away from the booth for long periods of time.

As exciting as it was to be there I am sure glad to be home!

Fall Activities

The summer is coming to an end and that means all the fall activities will soon begin. Next weekend, Sept 11 and 12 is the open house at Taylor's Sewing Centre. There are lots of new and exciting classes and most of the samples are already hanging in the shop. Be sure to stop in and take a look around.

The originellie's retreat is filling up quickly so if you haven't sent your cheque in - do it soon or you may be disappointed. There are only a few spaces left.

Christine and I have almost got all the quilts done for Northcott with the help of her mother, Judy. Visit www.northcott.net to see the Olympic quilts. There are some really nice designs. Donna has booked a trunk show so you'll be able to see them in person soon.