Summer Projects

What are you working on this summer? I hope you have a cool spot for stitching and are able to stay inside on these hot humid days to sew. If you have a finished project which will be going off to someone special and we will not be able to see it at September Show and Tell, send me a photo and I'll post it here.
After all, we all enjoy seeing those projects! Sue R. has finished up a quilt that her sister-in-law began years ago (pictured above). Sue finished up the blocks and assembled it. It has now been sent back to Ontario to the lucky recipient. Now she's working on a quilt with a number of grey fabrics. I told her it will be her own personal "Shades of Grey" project...  Barb F. is just finishing up a "kit quilt" for Community Projects. Susan D. is working hard to finish up a baby quilt for her first grandchild, scheduled to appear in a few more weeks. Gail M. has been working on small projects and  I am cutting many many pieces for a new scrap quilt. What are you working on??
Have you been to any Quilt Shows this summer? I've had a busy summer and have not made it to any shows, the dates all seemed to fall on days when I already had a committment.  :(   But I did come across some wonderful photos of the amazing Show in Saulnierville NS. Click here to see Karen Neary's photos from her visit to this spectacular show hung in the Sacre Coeur church sanctuary. I've put this Show on my "Must Do" list for next summer!
I hope your summer is going well and you will be bringing something to our September meeting for Show and Tell.
Cheers, and Keep Sewin'!

Summer Stitching?

What are you working on these days? It has been so darn hot, I'm just workin' on stayin' cool....
Actually I've been spending a lot of time in the garden, mostly watering and weeding... My sewing muse seems to have left me, but I have several projects percolating in my mind so I hope she returns soon! When it's too  hot to go outside (which has been quite often lately)
I do some blog surfing. Last night I came across a blogger who had been to the Vermont Quilt Festival. So I thought you might like to  pour yourself a long tall glass of lemonade or iced tea, turn on your fan and sit back for an armchair tour of the Vermont Show. Want to join me? Click here and scroll back through the previous posts (there are five posts in all on the Vermont Show).

There now.. did that cool you off? Now, who has a pool and would like to invite me for a swim?

P.S.  Don't you think the colors in this Day Lily photo would make a great quilt??

NJS Entrants

There were nine quilts from eight New Brunswick quilters in this year's National Juried Show at Quilt Canada. I promised photos of our three members with their entries. Here they are, in alphabetical order.

First is Trudy Corey. Her piece, "Bill's Peony" has special significance to Trudy. You will understand why when you read her Artist Statement:  "My love of family, flowers and fabric inspired me to create this piece.  It was made in memory of my step-father, Bill Pineo.  The fall before Bill passed away, he asked me to transplant his young Tree Peony Shrub into my garden.  In the spring the Tree Peony had a splendid single blossom.  This is the blossom.  This piece is an original design, hand pieced and hand quilted." This was Trudy's first time entering the NJS and she thought it was a great experience. I'm sure you'll agree, Trudy's peony is beautiful! Wouldn't Bill and Trudy's Mom Marg be proud?  Congratulations Trudy!

Next is Kathy Tidswell. Kathy is no stranger to the NJS or to Quilt Canada. This is the fifth time she has had entries accepted in the NJS and she has been on the teaching faculty at Quilt Canada several times as well. She won the Wearable Art category in 1999 and received an Honourable Mention in 2005 in the same category. Here is her Artist Statement for her entry Night Watch: "Wanting a mystical feel, I used silk as my canvas and painted an eerie moonlit scene from which my thread appliqué Great Horned and Saw Whet owls could oversee their kingdoms. I carefully balanced the amount of quilting so that the flowing drape of the cape would mimic the graceful flight of the owls." Congratulations Kathy!
You can see more of Kathy's work here: http://www.kathytidswell.com/

Monica Washburn is also a first-time NJS entrant. She decided to enter just to "learn the process" and was thrilled when her piece, Storm at Sea, was accepted. I'm sure you'll agree it was a worthy entry. Her Artist Statement read: " The year 2011 was a difficult year. My life, as I knew it, changed dramatically. There were challenges and decisions to make. Even though I received support from family and friends, I found myself at times, feeling helpless. When I saw the pattern for "Storm at Sea", I knew making this quilt would be therapeutic. Things are now on an even keel  and my world, although changed, is on calmer water. I am blessed." Congratulations Monica!

Way to go, gals!! We're proud of you!

Quilt Canada Report

Quilt Canada 2012 in Halifax is now just a memory... It was wonderful to see so many FQG members there - I think there were more than 25 of us - how great is that?!  I did not attend any classes or the evening events, but I have heard some great reports... I did get to all 10 Shows and they were awesome!! I have posted some photos on my own Blog which you can see here, here, here , here, here and here.
Photography was not allowed in the NJS, but the winning quilts have now been posted on the CQA website - you can see them by clicking here. Also all Trend Tex Challenge pieces are also posted on the CQA website- click here. (Unfortunately the color is not great on those photos but at least you can see all 78 pieces)
As you know, three of our own members had pieces accepted into the NJS this year- again, our Congratulations to Trudy Corey, Kathy Tidswell and Monica Washburn. I will be posting photos of "our girls" with their pieces soon. Five other NB quilters were represented in the NJS and three of them won ribbons!!  Juanita Allain of Moncton (Greater Moncton QG) won 2nd Place - Excellence for Originally Interpreted Traditional Wall Quilt with her 25th Anniversary Stars. Judith LeClue of Darlings Island (KVQG) won Excellence in Workmanship: Domestic Machine Quilting with her wholecloth quilt Saint George and the Dragon. Sandra Betts of Saint John (Marco Polo QG) won Excellence in Innovation with her piece Just for the Peck of It. Juliet Nowlan of KVQG also had two pieces in the NJS and Riel Nason, also of KVQG had one piece in. Congrats to all! What a great showing for NB quilters!!

Quilt Canada 2012 Update

Quilt Canada 2012 is only a few days away now. Yippee! I think we have a number of members who are heading to Halifax for a day or two, if not the whole week, and I have heard of many other local quilters going too.. I thought I might be able to pass on a few tips which would be useful.

If you are not familiar with the Dalhousie campus, it is a long narrow rectangle stretching westward from Robie Street- bordered by Robie on the east, Oxford St. on the west, South St. on the south and Coburg Road on the north. (Coburg turns into Spring Garden as you head (east) towards downtown.) The Student Union Building (SUB) sits roughly in the middle of campus and it will be the "hub" of QC activities (Registration desk, etc.).

As with most campuses, parking will be a challenge. There are a limited number of metered spaces on campus, with maximum of 2 or 4 hours parking allowed. Parking in the parking lots will require the purchase of a daily parking permit, available from the Security Services Office on the Parkade level of the Marion McCain Arts and Social Services Building, 6135 University Ave. If you do get a pass, I would suggest you try the parking lot at the DalPlex (off South St.) which is probably the largest on campus, or the parking lot in front of Eliza Ritchie Hall just up South St.  from the DalPlex. If you wish to try a spot off campus, I think your best bet is to try one of  the small side streets off Coburg Rd. or off South St. Actually your very best bet is not to bring a vehicle to campus, but hop on a city bus ($2.25). There are a number of busses which run right by campus and then you don't have to worry about parking at all!

My other suggestion concerns your tummy... if you will be on campus on Saturday, the only spot open to purchase something for lunch will be Tim Hortons in the SUB. So it might be wise to pack a sandwich or crackers and cheese and a few granola bars or something easy... I suspect the lineups at Tims will be lengthy... If you don't mind a bit of a walk, the closest restaurants will be down Coburg to Spring Garden- there are a number of eateries within the first block across Robie on Spring Garden.

The most recent blog post on the Quilt Canada Blog can be read here - there is much more detailed info concerning parking, eats, where to find banking machines on campus, etc. I highly recommend you reading this helpful post.

One other thing to note- the Shows do not all have the same hours, and several do not open until Thursday. Please read the following list of the ten shows carefully, noting days, hours and cost of admission.

In the SUB:

1. National Juried Show and 2. CQA Invitational Show: Open Wed. - Sat.  Hours - Wed. and Thurs. 10-5, Fri. 10-8, Sat. 10-5. $10.00 admission covers both shows. Location: 2nd floor of SUB.

3. Mariners' Quilt Guild Show (Dartmouth Guild). Open Thurs. - Sat.  Hours - Thurs. 10-5,
Fri. 10-7, and Sat. 10-5. Admission $5.00. Location 3rd floor SUB

4. Needlework Exhibition: Open Thurs. - Sat.  Hours - Thurs. 10-5p.m., Fri. 10-7p.m.,
and Sat. 10-5.  Admission $2.00. Location: 3rd floor SUB

In Risley Hall Residence, 1233 Lemarchant St. (directly behind SUB towards South St.):
5. FAN (Fibre Arts Network) Show (Theme: From Away) Open Thurs. - Sat  Hours- Thurs. 10-5,
Fri. 10-8, Sat. 10-5. Admission $2.00

In the DalPlex, 6260 South St. (about a 3 block walk from SUB)
6. Trend Tex Challenge Show. Open Wed. - Sat.  Hours- Wed. and Thurs. 9-5, Fri. 9-8, Sat. 9-5.
    Admission is FREE.  The Merchant Mall is also in the DalPlex, also free admission (open to public)

In Howe Hall Residence, corner of Lemarchant St. and Coburg Rd. (about a 2 block walk from SUB)
 7. N.S. Miniature Quilt Challenge - (Theme: Seams Like Home)  Open Wed. - Sat. 
Hours Wed. and Thurs. 10-5, Fri. 10-7, Sat. 10-5. Admission: Free

In the Public Archives, 6016 University Ave. (about a 3 block walk from SUB)
8. Secret Codes - African Nova Scotian Quilts.   Open Tues. - Sat. Hours 10-4:30 daily
Admission: by donation

In the IWK Health Centre, (Parker Reception Room), University Ave. (about a 5 block walk from SUB)
9. Mayflower Quilters' Guild Show. Open Wed. - Fri. (Note: NOT Open Saturday) Hours: 9:30-5 each day. Admission $3.00

In the Mary Black Gallery, Marginal Rd., Next to Pier 21 and Cunard Centre (too far to walk!)
10. SAQA (Studio Art Quilt Associates) Show - (Theme: Rooted) Open Tues. - Sat. 
Hours: Tues. 9-5, Wed. - Fri. 9-6. Sat. 11-6.  Admission: by donation

You can look at a map of campus with these locations noted by clicking here.

I hope you will find this info useful. If you still have questions or concerns, check the Quilt Canada Blog here or the CQA website here. I think you will find answers to any of your questions there...

Don't forget comfy walking shoes, a tote bag, your camera and your wallet!  I'm packing my bags for Quilt Canada 2012- - will I see you there?

This and That...

At our April meeting, I promised to post more info on the Creativ Festival's Designer Style Challenge- I have not forgotten - but I have never received the promised brochures. I've been waiting and checking the mailbox each day but it's been a month now since they were supposedly mailed... so the best I can do is give you the link for online info - click here: http://csnf.com/designerstyle.html
(And by the way, I do know "creative" is properly spelled with an "e" on the end- but they spell it without the "e" - I guess they are being creative!!)

Here is what little info I do have: "This year Creativ Festival is launching the Designer Style Challenge & Awards, a nation-wide mixed media artists' competition with prizes for beadwork & jewellery design, fashion sewing & design, fibre arts / surface design, knitting / crochet, needle art, paper art, quilting and upcycling. It's all about creativity and we're searching for the best work in Canada."  Deadline for submissions is July 31st.

Fredericton's  EdVentures registration is open- once again there is an amazing array of classes -  including several by our own Kathy Tidswell. Click here to see the lineup!

I have received the entry forms for the KV Quilter's Guild Show in September. If you would like to enter a quilt or two, and would like me to forward a form to you by email, just leave a comment here, or give me a call. I will print a few forms and bring them to our May meeting for those who do not have email.

I am still taking names of those interested in a Tour of the Collection Centre at Kings Landing to see the quilts. I have the required 20 names for a group, but there are always a few who cannot make it on a given date, so I will continue to take names. If you are interested, get in touch, or sign the sheet at our May meeting. The tour will likely take place in late July, or August, on a week day.

For those of you who are itching to go to a Quilt Show, how about another "Armchair Tour"? This time we're off to Paducah KY. Click here to watch an 8 minute video of the winners at the April AQS Paducah show, complete with music by the Paducah Symphony Orchestra! Sit back and enjoy the beauty!

I hope you aren't letting all this rainy spring weather get you down... it just means more time in your sewing room!!

Meeting Reminders

Tuesday April 17 is our next meeting... hope we will see a good turnout for a special program presentation by textile artist Anna Torma. Ms. Torma, originally from Hungary, will share with us many of her wonderful fiber works and a powerpoint presentation.

Membership Registration for next year is now open- bring in your form and fee in an envelope to speed things up at the door. 

Don't forget to bring your Show and Tell items to share- there is only one month remaining in our UFO Challenge - how many projects have you crossed off your list? And if you have any Library books out- please return them. Thanks. This meeting is also your last chance to make a donation of Catch of the Day bags or Fat Quarters for Quilt Canada in Halifax. They will be sent off later this week.

Info will be available on this summer's EdVentures program and courses, the Creative Festival's Designer Style Challenge, and a Bus Tour to Maine Quilts in Augusta Maine, July 26-29. There will be a sign-up sheet for those interested in a possible tour of the Collection Centre at Kings Landing to see their quilt collection. And we have just received info on the Tidal Threads Quilters' Guild 3rd Biennial Quilt and Needlework Show and Sale to be held in North Head, Grand Manan on July 6 & 7.

There are still a few spots available in the workshop this coming Saturday with Sue Robertson.

See you Tuesday night! 7:30 start.

Armchair Quilt Show Tours...

I think it's time for a few more "armchair" Quilt Show Tours. After all, who among us ever tires of seeing another Quilt Show? It's fun to see what quilters in other parts of the country are doing, and one often gets a good idea or inspiration for a new project.. so off we go. First, my blog friend Dolores of Toronto takes us on a two part tour of the Kindred Hearts Quilters' Guild  Show in Whitby Ontario last weekend.
Click here for Part 1 and here for Part 2. Thanks Dolores for sharing your view of the show with us!
Now let's jet off to the west coast and join Pippa Moore for her two part look at the APWQ Show last fall. APWQ is the Association of Pacific West Quilters and they do an annual show with entries from western Canada and the western US, in the Seattle/Tacoma Washington area. Pippa thought the calibre of entries this year was higher than ever and I'm sure you'll enjoy her selections from the show. Part 1 here focuses on quilts from a  special exhibit called In Living Color and click here for Part 2, some of Pippa's favourites from the Juried exhibit. Pour yourself a cuppa, and sit back and enjoy the Shows!

Exciting News and Amazing Photos!

We have some exciting news! THREE of our FQG members have had pieces accepted into CQA's 2012 National Juried Show!! CONGRATS girls! We do not want to compromise the judging by identifying anyone here, or showing their work, so you'll have to come to the April meeting to see who they are. Hopefully they will all share their pieces as well. So - there's yet another reason to head to Halifax for Quilt Canada!

It's not too late to pass in Catch of the Day bags and fat quarters for the Quilt Canada conference. I will be sending them back to Halifax with my daughter on April 19th, so get them to me by then to be included. A big Thanks to all who have already contributed!

No doubt like me,  you are happy to see the end of winter, snow and cold weather. But have a look at these "winter quilts" - WOW!! This "quilter" really has a lot of patience and energy!!

Man Walks All Day to Create Spectacular Snow Patterns  Artist Simon Beck must really love the cold weather! Along the frozen lakes of Savoie, France, he spends days plodding through the snow in raquettes (snowshoes), creating these sensational patterns of snow art. Working for 5-9 hours a day, each final piece is typically the size of three soccer fields! The geometric forms range in mathematical patterns and shapes that create stunning, sometimes 3D, designs when viewed from higher levels.  How long these magnificent geometric forms survive is completely dependent on the weather. Beck designs and redesigns the patterns as new snow falls, sometimes unable to finish a piece due to significant overnight accumulations. Interestingly enough, he said, 'The main reason for making them was because I can no longer run properly due to problems with my feet, so plodding about on level snow is the least painful way of getting exercise. Gradually, the reason has become photographing them, and I am considering buying a better camera.” Spectacular art for the sake of exercise!  Now... aren't you inspired???