May 2008

I hope everyone is enjoying some lovely spring weather. It is nice to feel the fresh air and hear the happy sounds of kids outside playing through the open windows. It is a bit frantic around here as I am down to the wire getting ready for Spring Market. I fly out on Monday, and I am still anxiously awaiting fabric from Moda to piece a sample quilt top to take with me! So I am sure that you can well imagine how things will be at my house this week!

At long last, On the Road to Minnesota which was last year's Mystery Quilt Club project, has been rewritten into a regular pattern. Instructions for both sizes Lap and Double (lap size shown). I have received many emails asking when it was going to be available; I am glad to say it is finally here.  What was the hold up? Well, way back in cold, wintery January I was working on a very summery quilt called A Summer Medley and in order to make the magazine deadline, On the Road got pushed aside. A Summer Medley can be seen in QUILT June/July issue #90 which is available on newstands now. I hope you like this new design. I know appliquérs will delight in the basket blocks. It was actually being considered for the cover of the magazine (which was quite exciting), but the bright colours of the cover quilt were selected instead. I agree with their decision, although I have to admit it would have been fun to be a cover girl!

I would like to tell you about a special quilter who I have known for about 8 years. Sandy Kollmann is an original member of my Club Quilt Classes and is someone that many people (quilters and not) admire. She has it all together and is the grandma that I hope to be one day! Making special time for her grandchildren (who range in age from 1 to 18 years) is very important to her, as well as choosing activities that they can enjoy together - such as ice skating and bike riding.

In her spare time, Sandy has been collecting donations of fabric, batting, and old pillowcases which she uses to make beds for the animals at our local shelter, the Ontario SPCA. This activity is wholeheartedly shared with her 5 year old grandson Parker.  With Parker's help, Sandy delivers these washable, disposable beds to the shelter to make the cages a bit more comfortable for the animals. I think Parker enjoys this job (see his big smile?) and what a great example Sandy is for her grandchildren (and all of us!).  Please check with your local animal shelter as your scraps could be put to a wonderful use too.

Have a great sewing month! Sherri