Thursday, July 19, 2012

Summer Camps

I thought I would share a few photos of some of the work my students have done so far in their summer camps!


The following photos are summer dresses made with a shirred bust, I have previously posted a tutorial on how to accomplish that look.



Lots of awesome work so far this month by my young students!


There are two articles about the PEC Quilt Show that I was the guest speaker for, published in local newspapers!

The Picton Gazette
http://issuu.com/pictongazette/docs/picton_gazette_july12

The Wellington Times
http://wellingtontimes.ca/a-stitch-in-time/

both really great articles, their guild hosted a fabulous show that I`m sure will be the talk of the town for weeks to come!




This is Lacey, my Aunt`s dog. She is going to be my new sewing buddy! 



Saturday, July 14, 2012

Basket Weave Quilting

While recently the guest artist at the PEC Quilt Show, in Wellington ON, I had the opportunity to sit in on a demonstration presented by the President of their guild.
She demonstrated a technique called the Basket Weave, I`ve recently taken the technique and used it to create a small table mat.

The greater number of squares that you use, the more you will notice the basket weave design. It is recommended that your squares all be of the same print, or at least all shades within an identical colour or pattern.



I cut my main fabric into 5 inch strips, and my dark brown sashing I cut into 1 inch strips.
I sewed a sashing strip onto either side of my 5 inch strip, after they are sewn on, press the seams towards your darkest fabric.

Measure the new width of your strip, mine was 5 & 6/8"
Use this new size, to cut as many squares as possible from your strip of fabric.

To make my table mat I used 8 squares.

Lay your squares out, so that your sashing directions alternate, which forms the basket weave design.

Once your centre is sewn together, I added a 2 inch border of a coordinating colour.

Now you can quilt, back and bind your mat as desired.


*TIP: This technique would work really well in flannels to make a baby quilt.


Monday, July 9, 2012

After A Quilt Show

This past weekend I was featured as the guest artist for the Prince Edward County Quilter`s Guild 2012 Quilt Show, held at the Essroc Arena in Wellington ON.




It was a fantastic show with approximately 800 guests per day!
I re-connected with some familiar quilters and spent lots of time speaking about my work to the various people viewing the exhibits.

While at the show I purchased a `Scallops, Vines and Waves`ruler by Quilt in a Day. I can`t wait to try it out!

I also observed a new basket-weave quilt technique, I`ll post pictures when I put that technique to use.

After a quilt show, whether I am a featured artist, demonstrator or even just a viewer amongst hundreds of others, I always leave a quilt show on what I like to call a quilting-high.
I think it is caused by spending a long period of time, basking in the works of other quilters, and speaking to people who share in my passion for quilting and other forms of fiber-arts. The amount of inspiration and support you receive from participating or attending a quilt show is phenomenal.

I recommend travelling to different towns to attend shows hosted by various guilds. You will be so surprised at how different each one is. The more quilt shows you attend, the more diverse amount of quilting knowledge you will obtain, by watching and learning different tips and techniques.

The Canadian Quilter`s Association has a calendar of events on their website, I encourage you to check it out and attend an upcoming event!
http://www.canadianquilter.com/events-calendar.php

Happy Quilting!



Friday, July 6, 2012

Prince Edward County Quilt Show 2012

Saturday July 7th and Sunday July 8th 2012, I'll be the guest artist at the Prince Edward County Quilt Show, held at the Wellington Community Centre - Essroc Arena.

The show will be open 10-5 both days and parking is free!


Come see all the beautiful quilts that will be on display and check out the vendors!

It'll be a great show!