Well, it has finally stopped raining although some will argue that it has only rained twice this summer; once for 45 days, the second time for 36.  It is nice to see the sun shining and kids out playing this being the first week of summer vacation.  Remember those?  When you had two whole months to do absolutely nothing??!! Me neither but what I wouldn't give to have that now.  Oh wait, I am retired; I have that 365 days a year! haha!  I remember that when I worked and every time I looked at my clock it showed 10:00am; NOW when I look at my watch (which is really used to monitor my number of steps and heart rate) it always shows 4:00pm.  It seems that by the time I get up, have breakfast, walk the dog and do one thing, the day is done!

So my one thing done these days is making bags.  I am loving the idea of using up my stash of fabric to make useful items.  Not saying that quilts are not useful but we have one bed in the house and 50 quilts.  Do the math, I am changing up the bedroom decor weekly with two weeks to spare!

Enjoy your summer and check back in from time to time.  I am preparing myself to teach a class that I have been asked about many times....that of quilting with the walking foot.  Quite often, as in most books, authors will show walking foot quilting as different types of straight lines.  I do much more than that; using stencils, overlays, pounce, templates I can create many shapes, curves, circles with yes, my walking foot.  So while those who are 'practicing' with the free motion quilting, I am sipping white wine quilting with my walking foot.  Stay tuned; details and course outline to follow.

Cheers. Irene

So I debated waiting a month and mark the one year anniversary of my last post with a new one but decided, what the hey, might as well sit down and write something today.  

It is the beginning of March 2017 and I have just returned from a one month vacation in Florida.  Now most people go to relax, golf, sit in the sun, shop.  I brought my sewing machine down with me and sewed, sewed and sewed.  Not all day, every day; well ok, maybe every day but not all day.  It is amazing to see how much you can do when you don't have to clean house!

I am now ready charged up to tackle whatever comes my way.  My batteries were depleted as I had caught that nasty cold back in December but watch me soar now.

I have been making more and more bags and smaller items for personal use and sale.  Drop me a line and let me know what you think of what I posted today; four new bags.  The one, BIG BAG THEORY, is so much fun and can be made in virtually any colour you'd like.  I hope to have a few more pictures of new ones posted over the next few months.  

I don't promise to write soon; why lie to you.
cheers and bring on Spring soon.

So, it's April....and not just the beginning, but practically the end of the month and the early morning temperature was BELOW ZERO ! ! !  Will it never end?  I really would like to get outside and start putzing in the garden instead of staying inside quilting.  Oh wait, that didn't come out right.

I was honoured this last week when the Richmond Area Quilters Guild invited me to do a trunk show.  Yes I enjoy quilting, yes I have quite a collection but I really didn't think any of my quilts held any 'special' properties.  I talked for 40 minutes and showed about 24 of my favourite ones, ones that hold a special place in my heart.  What I took away from the show was the fact that quilters just like to see other people's works for inspiration, tips, tricks, and things NOT to do.  Thank you to the Program person for asking me to share.

The trunk-show has also motivated me to pursue related avenues in the quilt arena.  I have taken on the role as Workshop Co-ordinator for Quilt Canada this year but am also really excited to start teaching.  I lead one group in a quilt class a few weeks back and now just want to get out there and do more.  I get inspired when I see others create, albeit the same project but with unique and individual fabric selections.  Stay tuned for more class offerings on my Workshop page.

Well, I would like to say 'write more soon' but so far my track record has not been stellar.  Chat back and let me know what subjects interest you.

Now, can we have Spring or Sprummer....anything but Sprinter!  I have lost one of my prized mittens.