Old is New

Trying to keep up with what is new or popular in the quilting world could be a full time job.  As I have been reading, scrolling and flipping magazine pages lately I have noticed a lot of new ways or easier ways to create old patterns, ideas and rehash information we all probably know but have forgotten or tucked far away in the recesses of our minds.  I enjoy the excitement that these new discoveries bring.  It motivates me to get busy and do what I love to do-create.

Since returning from the wedding festivities I have been planning for my monthly quilt club and for my fall retreat in October.  It is challenging to find new and creative ideas to share with quilters.  We all have so much information at our fingertips but what I have found is that many of us still like the personal touch and coming together in groups to learn and create.  This is what I think I like best about quilting and teaching, the coming together of friends to laugh, share, and sew.

I just saw that Moda is coming out with a new pre-cut called "jolly bars"  They are 5" x 10" rectangles.  You should check out the Moda bakeshop page to see some fun quilts they are making from these jolly bars.

Create, Enjoy and best of all Quilt - until next time....

Dee

Perfect Day!

My son was married this past weekend and it truly was a perfect day!  The weather couldn't have been more cooperative throughout the day, during the service and even the little sprinkle of rain we received during the outdoor reception just added to the charm of the day.  They made the sweetest couple and both were so happy.  I cannot remember the last time my son has smiled so much.  The day before, Carol, Lynn, Paulette and Robin came to help me arrange the flowers for the wedding and they were wonderful which added to a perfect day!  There were wonderful touches that Stephanie (the bride) and her mother did that made it truly fun and special.  Each table had a picture of Brett and Steph at the same age doing just about the same thing in each picture.  It was adorable.  One of my favorites was both of them sewing when they were in 4th grade.  They hung a chandelier between two trees over the cake and strung family wedding pictures along the trees which they aptly named the "family trees".  Their guest book was a signature quilt which I will get busy on soon.  I will keep you up to date.

Today was also a truly perfect fall day.  I don't think it could have gotten any prettier.  Fall is starting here in MI.  The air has that wonderful fall smell and the leaves are starting their change.  I pulled out fall fabrics and a few projects I need to complete for inspiration.  The festivities are complete and now it is time to get down to business before the holidays.  I have a full slate of classes and several quilts I am dying to get started on.

May all your days be picture perfect.

Dee

Something New

I finally found the dress for my son's wedding that is less than 2 weeks away.  However the chiffon sleeves needed to be shortened.  I have never sewn on chiffon before so I watched several tutorials, took a deep breath and went for it.  Happy to say it turned out quite good.  

Learning new things can be intimidating but it is always good to try new things and stretch ourselves.  I think that is one of the reasons I enjoy teaching Beginning Quilting classes.  Many come in with fear and trepidation and leave with new skills and the knowledge they can do this thing called quilting.  I recently went to a quilt show and it amazes me what people can do and create.  Quilting is changing all the time with the advent of the art quilts, modern quilting, revisiting the past with a fresh new look and many more creative ideas.  I encourage you to try something completely out of your box and do it for the sheer joy of it.  Please send pictures so we can all enjoy what you have accomplished.

I've been working a lot on wedding stuff and new material for upcoming fall classes.  This week I fly to CA for the wedding on the 20th.  I'm excited, nervous and who knows what all these other emotions are......

Below is the kids camp quilt top I finished today.  

Keep Smiling and Carry On!!

Dee