See you tomorrow!  You can catch me at 1 pm EST!

Today begins the last day of the #stayathomeandhop designer hop.  We have had some great designers sharing their talents and more!  I have a few things to share with you first then I will give you the last list of designers to check out!!

First if you didn't know, I have a NEW online class!  Yes, Paper Piecing the Cactus In Bloom Quilt.  I launched this class on January 31, 2020 and it has been so much fun.  Lots of students are enjoying the technique and getting their quilts together.  I would love to have you join in on the fun. 

So for the remaining two days of the hop through Midnight March 31, 2020, I have a discount for you to join in on the class.  Yup!  Get $20 off the price with the code 20OFF.  If you prefer, there is also a payment plan to suit your needs too.  

Check out my class on the Teachable site here.  I hope to "see" you in class!

I am super excited to share with you some cute notecards that I had made of some of my favorite quilts that I designed. I love them because they are bright and cheerful. They are blank inside so they are perfect for that little " I Love You"❤️ or "Thank you"😊 that you want to send.

And I ordered enough that they are on the website for you all too! I have two different sets available. The Summer Fun Set and the Hints of Spring set.

This class is something that I am super proud of as I wanted to bring you a quality online class that is super detailed that you can learn some awesome techniques from.  I launched the class on January 31, 2020 to an overwhelmingly positive response. 

I have enjoyed the process so much and getting to know my students through the class and also on our Facebook Group too!

Since the launch of my Online Class, Paper Piecing the Cactus in Bloom Quiltit has been a whirlwind! Lots of people have enrolled and are really enjoying the class and the techniques.

Here is what people are saying:

"I am really enjoying your class and the very detailed instructions and so glad I found your site. Thank you and look forward to other online classes and tutorials you have. Thank you again for your expertise." ~ Donna

"Got my first block finished. The instructions are very clear and the blocks go together easily. I’m enjoying the chain piecing. ~ Donna "

"Loving the class, picking out me colors now! ~ Lynn"

"Love the Online class. Jackie is so clear in her directions and the quilt is beautiful." ~ Marci

"I enrolled in your new Cactus In Bloom class & have viewed all the lessons. Wonderful ❣️❤️ job & kudos for great teaching." ~ Shirley

But there are only 6 days left to join in at the introductory pricing! . After February 29, 2020, the price will increase. So don’t delay ... come join in the fun!

What do you get with it?

You get LIFELONG access

Step by Step video instruction on how to create this beautiful quilt

8 FULL Lessons with sub-lessons

Downloadable info sheets

The ability to ask me questions

Interact with other students

You have the option (if you like) to choose from 3 kits!

The ability to color your OWN version in Quiltster

You will be able to access the class 24/7

A private Facebook group just for the online class

AND so much more! My intention with this class is for you to gain the confidence you need to paper piece like a PRO!

Just check it out by clicking here to find out all the details and enroll.

However, if you would like to join in at the INTRODUCTORY PRICING, you must act fast!  The introductory pricing ends at midnight MST February 29, 2020.

I am hoping that you will check it out.  Also, my promise to you, I will make it a goal of mine to blog at least once per week!!!  

In the meantime, check out some of my Watch Me Wednesday videos here on FB or on my YouTube Channel here.

Thanks for stopping back in and I WILL be seeing you!

Happy Quilting!

It has been SO long since I have done a blog post!  Wow... October of last year!  Can you believe it?  I hope you can forgive me.  

Anyway, so much has been going on since October!  I launched my Feline Fine Fabric Collection that I created with my sweet little Quilt Inspectors in mind.  This collection was so fun to create and I love the colors too.  

Along with those fabrics, I also curated a new Aurifil Thread Collection to coordinate with it and with any project that you might have.  It is called Springtime Reflections.  It is an Aurifloss Thread collection.  Yup... embroidery floss!  How many of you love to do hand embroidery?  Have you ever used Aurifloss?  If you haven't you must try it for sure.

Here is a little project that I did with my fabric collection and the floss.  The fabric just lends itself to using the floss for sure. I used 3 strands of floss, a hoop, and just outlined the designs in my fabric.  Sweet and simple.  Really easy to turn this into a quick project to keep your hands busy and make something pretty.

But, you do know that I also use Aurifil thread to piece my quilts too!  Yup, 50 Aurifil thread went into all of the quilts that I designed around this fabric collection.  One fo the quilts, Pretty Kitty would be great to use the Aurifloss on too.  You can do a buttonhole or blanket stitch on the appliqué!  Perfect!!

And wouldn't the floss look great on these fabrics too??  I just love how it plays so nicely with my designs.  

Oh and yes... the fabric, floss, Quilt Inspectors book, and patterns are ALL available on my site simply by clicking here.  I hope you love everything as much as I do.

But wait, I did say that there is a giveaway... oh and maybe two!!!  I am doing one and also Aurifil is doing one on their blog too!  But I bet you want to know what I am giving away?  Well... the bundle includes:

1.  A fat quarter bundle of all the fabrics in my Feline Fine Collection.

2.  A box of my Aurifloss Springtime Reflections Collection.

3.  The Pretty Kitty Pattern

4.  The laser cut kit for the appliqué on the Pretty Kitty Pattern done in the Feline Fine Collection.  

All of the ABOVE for one lucky winner!

Just go here to the Rafflecopter to enter.  The more entries you do, the more chances you have to win!!! 

And then head over to Aurifil's blog here to enter their giveaway.

Whew!  I hope this makes up for the month's that I haven't blogged??

Good Luck everyone!

Happy Quilting! 

Today is Day 4 of the blog hop and it is Aurifil's day.  What a fabulous blog post they have for you!!!  It is definitely a great read.  You will learn a little more about me, Marie and Deb!!

And of course you will learn about All A Flutter!  Did you miss my Watch Me Wednesday?  You can watch it on my YouTube channel or you can watch it right here.

Also, did you get in on the giveaway?? Yesterday in my blog post, I talked about how to enter.  You can go here to do so.

And best yet, don't forget to go back and look at the entire week's line up of blog posts here:

Today is my day on the blog hop and I wanted to tell you a little bit about my relationship with my very creative and talented friends, Marie Bostwick and Deb Tucker.  This is our second collaboration between the three of us and Island Batik and Aurifil Thread.  I have know both these ladies for about 10 years or so.  And it is truly a pleasure to work with them in this industry.  Marie is a fabulous author and Deb an extremely talented designer.  Most of you know what I do.... So I won't bore you with the details.

Any who, we have all come together to present to you my newest fabric line that I h have utilized to create a new quilt pattern designs of my own, and then Deb used it to create a new quilt to go along with Marie's book, Just In Time.  Together with Aurifil Threads I curated a collection of threads that compliments my fabric collection.  Here is a little video short to preview the collection.

The patterns that I designed around this collection are below.

Suncatcher

Floral Delight

Slice of Pie

Brick by Brick

Mountains and Plains

The soft colors of purples and pinks coupled with the creams really make these patterns sing and give them a truly modern feel.  And I can't forget, you know I am a Quiltworx Certified Instructor so I couldn't resist creating this beautiful Autumn Pines pattern of Judy Niemeyer's in my collection.  The pattern is available here.

Deb created her New Beginnings quilt below based on Marie's book Just in Time.  You can download her free pattern here from Marie's site.  I love Deb's blog post from yesterday too... see the variations on this quilt here.

Marie's book is just as inspiring and uplifting.  If you haven't read it, you must put it on your list of to reads.... Check her book out here.

Working with Island Batik has been a dream come true for me.  This signature collection is one of my favorites thus far and I have many more in store for you in the upcoming years!! Yes, I said years!!! 

I truly hope that you enjoy this collection as much as I do!  The fabric is available on my site here and the patterns are there too.  The best part is if you want the patterns right away you can choose between a PDF download or a printed pattern.

Oh and speaking of patterns, there is a GIVEAWAY too!! Yes, you can enter to win a bundle of each of these pattern.  One lucky winner will receive a copy of each of the above patterns!!!  Just enter below in the rafflecopter.

And how can I forget this great tuffet that was made by my friend Sharyn Cole of the Tuffet Source!  Isn't it fabulous?

Wishing you all the best!  Oh and don't forget to join me for my Watch Me Wednesday today where I will be showing you things from this collection.  It will be on my Facebook Page here at 1:30 MST.  See you then!

Here is the rest of the schedule for the blog hop:

Until Next Time.... 

Here is your reminder about the blog hop!  Today don't forget to hop over to my friend Deb Tucker's blog.  Wait until you see what she has done with her quilt, New Beginnings!

Here is the schedule again!  And don't miss out on my Watch Me Wednesday tomorrow LIVE on my Canton Village Quilt Works Facebook page here at 1:30 MST.  I will be talking about my giveaway and the All A Flutter collection and quilts!!!

This week begins a week filled with posts that are centered around fabric, a book, and a quilt.  What are they you ask?  Well, my friends Deb Tucker, Marie Bostwick, Island Batik, Aurifil, and myself have teamed up to bring you the Just In Time Experience.  

During the week you will learn all about Marie's Book, Just in Time.  Deb's Quilt pattern, New Beginnings, that is based on the book.  And then my Signature Fabric Collection from Island Batik, All A Flutter.

The blog hop begins today and you can find the schedule here:  

So this is the last of my posts for the Creative Spaces Blog hop!  This is week number 6!  Can you believe it?  I hope you have gained some inspiration throughout the past 6 weeks.  Maybe some new tips and tricks too!

This week is all about the rulers.  I have to tell you that I am actually away in Florida at the moment while I am writing this post.  And I have to tell you I am reusing a few pics.... So my apologies.  But hopefully what I have to say will help overshadow the twice used pics...LOL!!!

Here goes.... my all time most used ruler/s are the Creative Grids 6.5" x 12.5" ruler and my Add A Quarter ruler.  For my everyday, I really use the Creative Grids ruler is  my go to ruler for everyday use.  From squaring up fabric to trimming down blocks it is handy and seems to be just the perfect size.

The add a quarter ruler is my second favorite!  For paper piecing this is a must have for sure getting that perfect trim is so necessary!  You can see here in the pic below, nice clean cut seam allowances.

Then of course how do you store those rulers.  In a previous blog post, I showed you how I stored them.  I place the ones that I use the most here on my cutting table with a wooden ruler rack.  But truthfully, I have two whole draws full in my one cutting table. Templates and rulers abound in those drawers.

So how about you?  What are your favorite rulers?  Which do you use the most and why?  

A GIVEAWAY you say....Enter in the Rafflecopter below and you could be the winner of one of my most favorite rulers and a fabric scrap bag!!! 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Don't forget to visit the rest of our bloggers for the remainder of this week!!!

Welcome into Week 5 of the Creative Spaces Blog Hop!  Today, I will talk about thread and other sundries that you may find in my studio.  More specifically, how I deal with it all.  You probably remember from my studio tour that I have a long arm. For my long arm, I really need thread on cones.  

I store mine on racks that are screwed in and mounted on the studs of the wall so it holds the weight of the rack.  These are simply June Tailor wood racks that you can purchase, I believe at JoAnn's.  I stacked the racks 3 high and loaded my cones in by color for easy pickins'! 

I also have my own designer collections of Aurifil thread and then a big supply of my Aurifil 50 wt neutrals that I love to piece with... colors 2600 and 2000.  My designer collections live in the plastic boxes and the others are in the cardboard boxes.  Stacked fairly neatly under where I sit at my sewing machine. 

You can purchase my collections here.  And because I have so much thread I had done a video tutorial on Thread Talk!  You can watch it here below and on my YouTube channel. If you want to see other tutorials you can see them on my YouTube channel here and subscribe too! 

I also have a collection of embroidery thread for my Designer Epic.  That live right next to my machine so when I put the embroidery module on, it is easy to change out when the machine tells me I need to change thread.  Very convenient!

I do like embellishments... and I have a draw with trims in it.  They are very colorful and fun!  I love them and I believe the will make it on a pillow or two eventually.  What do you think?

As far as buttons, I used to have a HUGE collection of buttons.  But I parted with most of them when we moved to AZ two years ago.  However, I did keep this one card of Vintage buttons.  I couldn't part with them because I love them!! Other than that I don't have much in the way of buttons.

I know you all use thread to quilt so I thought I would give away some of my most favorite thread ever in various weights and colors.  You can enter to win some Aurifil thread below!!!  

Welcome to Week 4 of the Creative Spaces Blog Hop!  Today, I get to talk to you about how I store my fabric.  And let me tell you that is a loaded question. Partly because I have quite a bit of fabric.  Hmmm... but don't we all.  As you saw in last week's post, there is a whole closet dedicated to my fabric storage and I will talk about that.

First let's talk about my scraps.  You probably won't believe this, but I don't actually have a lot.  What I do have is dedicated to projects in my project bins that I showed you in last week's blog post.  But here is my scrap basket.  Not much right?  But I do dig into it.

Then I have a HUGE collection of Black and White Fabrics.  Most of you know that I have a large stash of these because that is one of my loves.... Many of you have my book that I wrote all about it!  You can find it here.  So I usually buy 1/2 yard pieces when I see something I like and then fold it in a particular way and then store them underneath my long arm.  They are separated into their respective color way... either black or white for easy pickings.

I do have projects and bins inside my one Ikea cabinet.  And I think that is the messiest part of my studio... inside the cabinet.  But the projects are all in ziploc style bags or in bins.  Sheesh... I have a lot of projects going on.

Then I have some fat quarters and strip packs that sit on the top of those shelves underneath my longarm.  I don't have many pre-cuts because I just cut off whatever yardage I have.

Then around the back of my long arm, I have two other continents.... LOL!!!  I have my African and Australian fabrics.  I love them so much that they have their own special place.

Very much like I store my fabric in my closet, I have some stored right next to my sewing machines.  Folded right when I get them and put away neatly.  Here I have hand dyes, batiks, spots and dots on black and white or color fabrics.  It always makes me happy to look at them when I am sewing.

Then last but not least is the fabric that I sell online here.  Here is where I keep the bolts. I have a little bit of my Fresh Pickin's (its on sale)  fabric left and a little bit of Blue Moon too! I have my fall fabric line here too... but I can't show you, yet!

So how do you store your fabric?  Are you organized or not?

Hmmmm.... speaking of... would you like to win a grab bag of scraps from me?  If so, enter in the Rafflecopter here for a chance to win!! 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Visit the other designers as they have blog posts up through today.  Here is the list and the links to their blogs.

Thank you for stopping by my blog today!

Monday:

 Tammy Silvers/Tamarinis

Cherry Guidry/Cherry Blossom Quilting

Tuesday:  

Reeze Hanson/Morning Glory Designs

Jessica VanDenburgh/Sew Many Creations

Wednesday:  

Kate Colleran/Seams Like a Dream

      Kris Poor/Poor House Quilting

              Jessica Caldwell/Desert Bloom Quilting

Thursday:      

Jackie Kunkel/Canton Village Quilt Works  ME!

      Vicki Hansen/Cranberry Pie Designs

Friday:      

Erin Hentzel/Avery Lane Designs

      Christa Watson/Christa Quilts

Saturday:      

Toni Smith/Quiltoni

      Swan Sheridan/Swan Amity

Sunday:      

Pauline McArthur/Funky Friends Factory

Annie Smith/Annie Smith

Joanne Sharpe/Joanne Sharpe Art

Until Next Time... 

Last week I showed you my favorite tools and this week it is fitting to show you how I organize some of my tools and things that I use in my studio.  But first, I want to congratulation the winner of the first week's fabric bundle.... Congratulations to Kristen Amero!  She won the beautiful bundle and has received it already.  Stay tuned for the winner of last week's giveaway.

I don't know how you are in your studio, but I think that I can categorize myself as organized chaos at times. The above picture kind of sums that up. I do, however, try to maintain some semblance of organization at any given time.  But let's take the tour of some of the organization that I do have in my studio.

One of the things that I am most proud of are my thread racks for my long arm.  I have wooden racks that I have attached to the studs in the wall and arranged my cones of thread by color.  It makes it very easy to grab and go when I am quilting my quilts.  Plus it doubles as a colorful piece of decoration on my wall.

Maximization of space is a BIG key factor in setting up the studio.  So under my longarm there is unused space. Therefore, I store fabric and projects there to make use of the space.  The projects are in bins and stacked underneath the backside of the machine.  Fabric is stored on shelves that I purchased from Ikea.  They are calle Besta.  They were the perfect height and depth for under the longarm and store lots of fabric. 

Then I have an Ikea bookcase that holds all my teaching "manuals" for me.  I know where to grab them when I am teaching a particular class.  We added the doors to the bookcase to make it look neater.  I love that, because clutter breeds more clutter, at least in my house.  I definitely don't want that!

Then I have my cutting island.  They are two pieces of Ikea furniture from the Varde kitchen line.  Which they do not make anymore... insert sad face here.  The one side of my island has great draws.  I store rulers, office supplies, notions, projects and more.  The other side I have fabric and projects behind two doors.  The cabinets are at the right height too!  Two cutting mats sit atop the butcher block tops.

Next up, the rulers are organized in a wooden holder, next to the cutting mat.  I really like this ruler holder, it makes it easy for me to grab the ruler that I need when I am cutting. 

I think the thing that tis my most favorite organizational piece is the Ikea bookcase that I put in the closet.  This bookcase holds the majority of my fabric stash.  When I moved to Arizona, I took the time (when un-packing) to fold and group all my fabric by color.  When I walk into my closet the colors put a HUGE smile on my face.  I absolutely LOVE it!!  If I bring more fabric into my studio, I immediately fold it and put it in it's place right away.  Don't let it pile up... that leads to the chaos.

I am not sure if the last thing falls into the organizational category or not... but it is my design wall.  I am lucky enough to have an 8' X 8' design wall.  My hubby and I put it up and it is the most amazing part of my studio.  I can put what I am working on up there and see it at any time.  I did a video tutorial on how to construct the same wall.  You can go to my YouTube channel here and watch it and others OR you can watch it below.  I have had many people make it the same way as I did and they love theirs. 

I hope that my post of organizational items inspires you!  But don't forget to go visit the other bloggers this week and see what tips, tools, and techniques that they have for organizing their studios.

And since I spoke about thread first... I have another GIVEAWAY today!!!  I am giving away this little swag bag that was kindly donated by my favorite thread brand, Aurifil.  YUP.... Thread, a tote bag, thread charts and a sticker for your sewing machine!  LOVE this!!! If you would like to enter just go to the Rafflecopter below and do as many entries as you like.  The more entries you do, the more chances you have to win! 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Whew! One week flew by super quick.  I hope you have been enjoying all the blog posts from the Creative Spaces Blog Hop.  This week's theme is Favorite Tools.  It has been great seeing some of the other designers tools and I am pretty sure that there is and will be some overlap throughout the week. 

Here goes, I think I went a little overboard and picked 7 of my MUST have favorite sewing tools/notions. I am thinking that some of you will agree on these tools too!

My first must have is a neutral Aurifil 50 weight thread for piecing.  I swear by this thread and love it!! I use either the 2600 gray or the 2000 cream depending on the project.  Yes, I do use colors too, but mostly for the quilting part not the piecing.  Or I use them for decorative stitches too. I do have several Aurifil Collections and you can see them here.

My next tool has become a staple in my tool kit... the Glue Pen also known as a Glue Marker (depending on the manufacturer).  This one is the Fons and Porter and I have several in my tool box.  It takes the place of pins, clips, etc.  I use it for paper piecing, appliqué, binding and so much more.  Here is one of my video tutorials that I did on curved piecing that uses the glue pen.  You can see more of my tutorials here on my YouTube channel.

Oh and of course you can't forget the glue refills for the pen!  They are a must have!

The next one, as you saw in the video above is the ever popular "That Purple Thang".  I actually have several floating around my studio at any given time.  I use it for curved piecing and for a stiletto, helping me to rip out paper after paper piecing... and sometimes it can double as a back scratcher!  LOL!

Then I have my most favorite pins ever!!!!  They are Clover Glass head pins. They are long and fine.  I always say the finer the pin the better.  The thick pins can cause distortion when you turn them down into a block.  The thin pins don't, they are usually sharper and go through fabric like butter.  

I have to keep my pins in a little tin.  Unfortunately, I love pincushions but can not use them.  Many of you have met my Quilt Inspectors.  Well, Quilt Inspector Number One, he likes to pull pins out of the pincushion and let them fall where they may.  So that is why I have a pin tin!

Last but not least, my most favorite and most used ruler is the Creative Grids 6.5" X 12.5" size.  I use this ruler non-stop on almost every single project that I make.  It is an invaluable size to have in your ruler rack for sure!

Now that you have seen my favorites you might be wondering where you can get them?  You can find them all on my website, with only one exception.... the ruler.  Just click here and you will be whisked away to the notions department of my site.

BUT WAIT... you say you would love a chance to win them??? Well guess what, I am GIVING AWAY a Notions Bundle below.  It includes all of the notions that I have shown you, except the ruler.  So go to the rafflecopter below and enter for your chance to win the bundle.  You have several options to enter.  Enter them all for more chances to win.  But make sure that after you do that you.....

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Until Next Time...

Last Wednesday I launched week number one of the NEW Quilt Along (QAL).  And we have so many participating.  I launched it on my weekly Watch Me Wednesday Facebook Live Episodes.  But if you missed it, you can watch it right here.

If you miss it on my blog, you can always subscribe to my YouTube Channel and get all caught up there.  I have tons of videos and tutorials to browse.  Just click here to see.  And don't forget to watch today for Week TWO of the QAL.  

Just go to my Facebook Business page here at 1:30 MST to see what we have to do for this week in the QAL.

Also, come back here tomorrow for my next installment of the Creative Spaces Blog Hop, where I am going to talk tools and show you my favorites in my quilting world!!  If you didn't see my post from last week with the tour of my studio, just click here... there is still time to enter the giveaway too!

Until Next Time... 

Monday:

 Tammy Silvers/Tamarinis

Cherry Guidry/Cherry Blossom Quilting

Tuesday:  

Reeze Hanson/Morning Glory Designs

Jessica VanDenburgh/Sew Many Creations

Wednesday:  

Kate Colleran/Seams Like a Dream

      Kris Poor/Poor House Quilting

              Jessica Caldwell/Desert Bloom Quilting

Thursday:      

Jackie Kunkel/Canton Village Quilt Works  ME!

      Vicki Hansen/Cranberry Pie Designs

Friday:      

Erin Hentzel/Avery Lane Designs

      Christa Watson/Christa Quilts

Saturday:      

Toni Smith/Quiltoni

      Swan Sheridan/Swan Amity

Sunday:      

Pauline McArthur/Funky Friends Factory

Annie Smith/Annie Smith

Joanne Sharpe/Joanne Sharpe Art

But don't leave yet!!! I would like to do a little giveaway!  For those of you who don't know, I design fabrics for Island Batik.  So I would like to giveaway a little sampling of some of my fabrics from previous collections.  They are an assortment and relatively sizable pieces.

If you would like several chances to win this, please enter via the Rafflecopter below.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Until Next Time.... 

Do you know what tomorrow is??  It is Wednesday.  Why is that so special?  Because it is the beginning of the new Quilt Along!!!  Woohoo!!!  Yes, tomorrow on my Facebook Page here at 1:30 MST you can watch me on my Watch Me Wednesday Live and join in on the fun.  

We are doing Diamonds in the Rough, one of my most popular patterns.  It can be found here and on sale!  Here is an alternate rendition of it that I mocked up in Quiltster.  This is the color way that I will be doing.

Don't forget to join in on our Facebook Group too... Quilt Alongs with Canton Village Quilt Works!

Then stay tuned for Thursday, it is my day on the Creative Spaces Blog Hop.  You will get to see pics of my studio in a mess and cleaned up.  LOL!  I know you all can relate!

See you all tomorrow!

Until Next Time....

I know that I have have been so bad and have not posted a thing since April!  I can't believe it myself.  To be honest, I have been extremely busy with travel to teach and with multiple deadlines to meet.  And really it is right about now I am feeling the fog beginning to lift just a little.  Do you believe it??  

Some of the things that I have been up to include... Spring Quilt Market, back in May.  Here is a pic of my booth with my newest patterns and fabric line, All A Flutter.  The fabric will be in my shop in September, but the patterns are available now here.  It was so much fun at Quilt Market, but a true whirlwind.

Then I have been traveling to teach quite a bit.  I taught on a quilting cruise for a week, with Stitchn' Heaven. Look at that AWESOME group of ladies that we had the pleasure to teach.  So much fun that was and I will be doing my third quilting cruise with them next year to Hawaii.  You can see my schedule here.

We did have some family visit us at the beginning of June.  My hubby and I were able to go to one of the places on our bucket list that week, Antelope Canyon.  The above pic was most likely my fave pic from there.... and we took a lot!!  Some quilty inspiration there for sure. We coupled that with a BIG hike too.  As many of you know, the hubs and I LOVE to hike and do so whenever we possible can.

The biggest event was at Vermont Quilt Festival.  I had so much fun there.  I have taught there 3 years.  This year, I taught 4 classes and presented a lecture too!  I barely got to see the quilts and vendors.  I managed to catch up with a few old friends and it was great seeing them.  I made lots of new friends too.

I often get asked how I get everything that I need to get done accomplished... so the above little video gives you a glimpse into how fast I must work to keep up.... 🤣🤣

Also, I have been managing to keep up with my Watch Me Wednesdays too.  My apologies for not posting them here.  They are all uploaded to my YouTube and you can find them here and watch them all. Subscribe to my YouTube channel and never miss an Episode! The best this is this week on July 11, 2018, I will begin the newest Quilt Along on my Canton Village Quilt Works Facebook page!!!!!   Yay!  So if you would like to join in, it is never too late.  

We are going to be working on the pattern Diamonds in the Rough. Find the pattern here on my site in either printed or PDF download format, AND it is on SALE!!! You can mock it up in Quiltster if you like to see what it will look like before you actually make it!  Join in on our private Facebook group too... Quilt Alongs with Canton Village Quilt Works and see what the others are choosing for fabrics and what they have mocked up in Quiltster too.  Lots of people will be posting their progress along the way.  You can also see quilts from the last Quilt Along too!

Next up.... Beginning on Monday, July 9, 2018 and wrapping up on August 19, 2018, I am involved in the Creative Spaces Blog Hop.  Below is a list of all the designers that are participating and what days of the week you will see our blog posts. Be sure to go and follow each blogger.  Each week it is a different subject that we will be blogging about.  Also some of us maybe giving away prizes too!!!  How awesome is that?  

So be sure to follow along beginning this Monday!  So you will definitely see me blogging more!   

I am back for Episode 37 of my Watch Me Wednesday and we are talking silks!  Have you ever used silks in your quilts?  If you have not, but were thinking of doing it, you must watch this video!  They are fun to work with and really add another depth and dimension to a quilt.

I give you some tips about how to handle them and what to piece and quilt them with.  They are so colorful and fun and would make a great addition to any project....not just a quilt!

I also am doing TWO giveaways on my video.  You must watch all the way through to see what you need to do and then go here to enter your comment.

Enjoy the video!

Until Next Time...

So sorry I am late in posting this, with the Easter weekend and family in town.  I hope you all had a fabulous holiday weekend and got to enjoy family too.

This week's installment of the Mountains and Plains QAL, I demo how to get your border together with ease!  What I am most impressed with is the amount of people who have finished their quilts and posted the tops in the Facebook group.

I am really loving the combinations.  If you haven't joined in on the fun yet, you can!  Just go to my YouTube channel and watch the previous episodes to get started.

I would love to have you join in!!

Until Next Time...

Please accept my apologies, time totally got away from me.  I didn't post my Watch Me Wednesday Tutorial for our Mountains and Plains Quilt Along last Wednesday.  

I went over the borders last week and how to assemble the strip sets and triangles.  So if you are doing the quilt along, definitely watch the video here.

Well it seems as if I have been gone forever.  But getting myself back into gear is tough!!!  Today, I spent the day prepping for the Mountains and Plains Quilt Along (QAL) for my Watch Me Wednesday this week.  

One of the things that I am enjoying so much is seeing all the progress in our QAL group on Facebook.  So many variations of the quilt and all equally beautiful.  I am not sure which I love more.  Some are making the mini version, some the large version, and at least one person combined the two!

So they are pretty awesome.  If you haven't joined in on the fun yet, you definitely must.  It is not too late.  You can watch my videos on my YouTube Channel here and join in at any time.  And if you are on Facebook join the group and contribute and see what everyone is doing.

Nedra's Mini version

Mary Beth's combined mini and large version

Oh and another COOL thing is that now my pattern is available in Quiltster so that you can mock up your version in an instant.  Here are two versions that I did, one with my Fresh Pick'ins (this fabric is on SALE in my shop here) and one with my Blue Moon collection.  Then Quiltster gives me the yardage amounts (in this case fat quarters) of each fabric I used.  That way if I want to make these versions, I can at anytime!  So much fun.  If you want to give it a try, just go to Quiltster, set up an account and play with some of my patterns!!!

I for one would love to have you along for the ride!  Right now... all you need to get started is to purchase the pattern and it is on SALE!  You can get it as an instant download or printed pattern.  You won't be disappointed with this pattern, it is fun to make and pretty quick too.

Hope to see you this Wednesday for the next Episode of Watch Me Wednesday on my Canton Village Quilt Works Facebook Page at 1:30 MST.  (PS remember Arizona does not observe Daylight savings time)  So if you are on the east coast, during the winter we were 2 hours behind and now we are 3.  Therefore, I will be broadcasting at 4:30 Eastern time.

See you then!

Until Next Time...

So how many of you have joined in on my Mountains and Plains Quilt Along (QAL)?  If you haven't you can join in at anytime.  Because they are video recorded you can go back and watch the first video and then move onto the rest at your leisure.  If you haven't joined in, we would love to have you!  

There are quite a few people who have joined in and are actively participating in the Facebook group for the QAL!  So nice to see everyone interacting there. AND there is a BONUS too!  I created a mini block!!!

Watch the video for Week 3 here... then read all the info below and join in on the fun!

Welcome to Week 3! Today, we start making the blocks... Mini or Maxi! What do you need to do?

1. Watch the video for more detailed instructions and tips.
2. Go to the Quilt Alongs page here on my website to download this week's PDF and Paper Foundations for the mini, if that is what you are choosing to make. 

3. Join our Facebook Group Quilt Alongs here with Canton Village Quilt Works to post pics, ask questions, and join in the fun. 

4. If you are choosing to paper piece you can see my tutorials here on paper piecing:  OR HERE 
5. If you are just joining the QAL, you can purchase the pattern here.... it is on SALE! And you can get a printed or PDF Download.... your choice! 

Remember, I will be skipping one week of Watch Me Wednesday, so I won't have another episode until March 21, 2018. Next week I will be in Orange County at the Orange Grove Quilter's Guild doing a lecture/trunk show and a workshop. You can see my schedule here.

Until Next Time.... 

This week I was very excited to begin the Mountains and Plains QAL with the cutting of the fabrics!  But I guess what I am most excited about is seeing everyone's versions.  What fabrics they have chosen.  There are so many people that are joining in on the QAL, which makes me giddy with delight. 

I created a Facebook Group, called Quilt Along With Canton Village Quilt Works and it is growing!  There are quite a few people in the group now and I am looking forward to seeing their posts.  Also, I have created a permanent page on my website for this QAL and all future QALs! 

As for me, I gave some insight as to how to even make this quilt a MINI.  With also a little challenge if you so desire.... !! But I have a feeling that most people will be doing the regular version, as written.  

There is still time to join in the fun, in fact you can join in at any time!!  But here is my Watch Me Wednesday Video for you to watch first.

Come and join in on the fun!! Would love to have you participating!!

Until Next Time...

I am super excited to announce a NEW Quilt Along!!!  I hope you all decide to participate as this is going to be a fun one!  The QAL is for my Mountains and Plains pattern that is perfect to help to clear out some stash... or if you want some new fabric why not?!

About a week ago you were able to go on the Blue Moon Blog Hop all week and see my beautiful Fabric collection and patterns.  This week Island Batik and Aurifil thread are hosting and highlighting varying collections and Designers from Island Batik.

Today, they will be highlighting my Blue Moon Collection and me and my designs. Then every other day of the week they will be highlighting my friends and Uber talented designers.  AND they are doing a giveaway too!!

If you would like to learn a little more about me today... Head on over to Island Batik and then to Aurifil to find out more about me and Blue Moon!  And don't forget to enter the giveaway too!

Then the rest of the week you will be ale to learn more about...

I had so much fun yesterday making pretty stitches!  Yes, I spent most of the morning embellishing some fabric with colorful stitches that I chose from the new Viking 145C.  I am going to create a cute little project with them and can't wait to work on it more and share next week.

So what do you think?  I love them, and that is just a few of the stitches that are on this machine.  There are 200+ stitches and I show you how to use them in my Watch Me Wednesday Episode 31.  

So what did you think of the video?  I hope I was able to provide some ideas for you for projects and some insight into the Viking Tribute 145C.

Have you entered the Giveaway for this machine yet?  Yes!  I am giving this brand new machine to one lucky person and you have multiple chances to enter.  Just click here to read all the details and to enter!  Open to U.S. Residents only.

Good luck to all!

Until Next Time... 

This has been one busy week!  I hope you have enjoyed the last four days.  Now onto the fifth and final day.  I have one final quilt to show and then also show off my friend Deb Tucker's quilt as well.

My last quilt is called Snowflakes and is fun modern looking quilt that you use the Creative Grids Dresden Ruler to create.  I love how it turned out, but the cool thing is that when you are done with the quilt, you have "leftover snowflakes" to create the bonus placemats and tablerunner.  How cool is that?

And in the Blue Moon Fabric collection it really makes these designs look cool like snowflakes too!  

Two more quilts that I would like to highlight are the design I did for the January, 2018 Quilty Box, Air Traffic Control.  I absolutely love this design and it was really well received.

On February 11, 2018 the pattern will be available in my shop as a printed pattern or an instant PDF download.  I hope you all love it as much as I do.  When I designed it, I designed it using my friend Deb Tucker's Wing Clipper Ruler.  If you don't know what that is.... well you will love it!  Here is a video tutorial that I did using the ruler.

Speaking of Deb Tucker... she and my other friend Marie Bostwick along with Island Batik and myself collaborated to create The Promise Girls Experience. What is that you say?  Well, Deb designed a quilt that complimented, Marie Bostwick's book - The Promise Girls - with my Blue Moon Fabric Collection from Island Batik. Check your local quilt shop to see if they are participating in the whole experience.

What do you think of the quilt, Stormy Stars?  Beautiful right?  It is designed to be used with her rulers Diamond Rects and Square Squared.  You can read more about this quilt on Deb's Stop on the blog hop here.  While you are there you can enter to win some prizes from her too!!!

If you haven't entered my giveaway yet... make sure you do now.  It ends tonight!  Just go here.

Oh, and I had another LITTLE giveaway going on here... this one you don't want to miss, just click here to check it out!

Visit the last two blogs on the schedule today!!!

Until Next Time...