September 2010

First of all, I know, I know… no newsletter for quite a while but I have been buzzzzzzyyyy! Let me just say almost every avenue of life has been hectic. With three weddings in three years, our family has grown with the addition of two new son-in-laws and a new daughter-in-law to add to our crazy mix, oh and a brand new beautiful granddaughter! I know, I am much too young to be a grandmother but there it is.

Now for the really BIG news! I have been bursting to tell you. My wonderful friend Sue Carmichael, owner of Quilter’s Cupboard in Uxbridge ON has received the most esteemed award of being a Top Ten Quilt shop from the Better Homes and Gardens Quilt Sampler Magazine! The Quilt Sampler magazine has always been one of my personal favourites. This publication only comes out twice a year with lots of pictures and details of each shop, what they carry and what to do for fun in their area. I love reading them from cover to cover. Each chosen shop then presents a unique quilt pattern for readers to make themselves. I was extremely privileged, and honoured, that Sue asked me to design this very special quilt that would represent her shop.

What better way to honour my friend than to do a quilt that is all “her”. I began by asking Sue lots of questions like what size, what feel, appliqué, not appliqué, did she have something in mind? Then I got to it. The timeline was extremely tight for us with just over a month to come up with something totally wonderful and to choose the fabrics that of course, would still be available 6 months later – an almost impossible feat. During this time the editors from the magazine would then approve (or disapprove) the design - oh, then we had to MAKE the quilt, quilt it, bind it and ship immediately for its photo shoot.

During that very short time line there was lots of tweaking and more tweaking, late nights-early morning emails and phone calls back and forth. Renate Campsall took on the momentous job of appliquéing all of the oak leaf blocks – an almost impossible feat in the time frame given but she did it! Sue and I worked on the cutting, piecing and putting the quilt together. The quilt then went to Brenda Wells to be beautifully quilted and then finally to Wendy Lee for the binding. Phew! What was the most difficult part for me? Not telling ANYONE! I was pinging off the walls with excitement!

The magazine has arrived! So don’t forget to get your copy while visiting the wonderful Quilter’s Cupboard and have the famous Sue Carmichael autograph it for you. Check out the actual Autumn Nights quilt and buy your own fabric kit to make one of your own. I am so proud and happy for Sue for her accomplishments both personally and in her business. It has been truly my sincerest privilege to be part of this entire ride with her.

Calling all Quilt Detectives! The new BCS Mystery Quilt Quilter’s Journey begins this October. With the suspense of two great sizes (Lap or Queen) it has clean lines featuring Rosehips Sweet Briar Flannel designed by Kathy Schmidt for Moda fabrics. This snuggly fabric will be sure to make a family friendly quilt that they will be fighting over! Fabric selections can be made with “Travel by Day” for a light background or “Travel by Night” for a dark background for some added quilting fun. For a quilt shop near you, check our website or email me for more information.

Don't miss out on all the excitement! Have a great quilting month!

Sincerely,