Quilts by Rosemary

Machine Blanket Stitch Applique

2011-10-03T12:55:00.017-04:00

Some time ago I posted a tutorial on http://sewwequilt.com/2011/06/felted-wool-giveasway.html showing a fused Blanket Stitch hand applique method for working with Felted Wool.

Since I have heard that many quilters are afraid to try Applique; I thought today it might be of interest to follow up with an easy fusible Blanket Stitch machine applique method.

This method can be quickly done and looks great on almost any type of applique block such as this Sunbonnet Sue block pattern which was first published in the Kansas City Star in 1930.

Any applique pattern can be done in this method. Trace all the pieces in the design onto the paper side of the fusible web. Note: if the pattern is not symmetrical, you must make a mirror image of the pattern before tracing it onto the fusible web. It this is not done the pattern will be facing the opposite way to your origianal drawing.

I prefer a soft fusible web such as SoftFuse or HeatnBond Lite so that the appliques do not feel stiff or hard.

Rough cut out the shapes leaving approximately 1/4 inch around the shapes. If you prefer you can cut the paper out of the interior of larger shapes, as shown in the example of Sunbonnet Sue's sleeve shape which is shown below. This leaves the shapes softer and more flexible.

Iron the fusible web shapes onto the wrong side of your chosen fabrics following the instructions that come with the brand of fusilbe web that you are using.

Let the shapes cool and then cut them out directly along the traced
lines--except remember to leave the 1/4 inch if there is a place where one shape tucks under another. Remove the paper and place the shapes onto your background block. Using a Teflon pressing sheet helps you easily position the applique shapes and fuse them together before placing them on your background block. It also helps prevent any fusible from getting on your iron. Press the shapes in place onto your background block following the pressing directions that come with your brand of fusible web.

Traditionally this type of applique was done over the raw edge as curved edges do not fray very much and the blanket stitch encloses the edge providing a seam finish. Often black thread was used to give an outline to the shapes; but a matching thread can also be used as shown on the Heart blocks on the right.

Sometimes it helps to use a stabilizer behind the background fabric as shown on the Heart block on the upper left. If you lightly starch the background fabric this may not be necessary. If your work starts to pucker, place some tissue paper or a light weight stabilizer behind the applique shapes before doing the stitching.

Use a machine open toe embroidery foot so that you can see clearly where you are stitching. Use either cotton machine embroidery thread 60/2 or just regular 50 weight cotton thread in both the top and in the bobbin. A machine quilting needle 75/11 or a machine embroidery needle 75/11 work well for the stitching.

Choose a Blanket Stitch selection--I used # 26 on your machine. Loosen the top tension (use a smaller number--I used 2.6 for my sample)so that no bobbin thread shows on the top.

Adjust the length and width of the stitch to your preference--make a sample and record the settings that you used, so that you can refer to them at a later time.

Stitch any underneath pieces first so that beginnings and endings can be hidden underneath the top pieces.

The needle should just brush the cut edge of the shape being appliqued as you sew. The bite should be wide enough to hold the fabric securely and prevent fraying. Sewing slowly helps you keep your stitches lined up neatly along the cut edge.

Outside corners should be done manually by turning the hand wheel so that there are three stitches at the corner with all stitches meeting in the same inside needle hole. One stitch will be just before the corner, the middle stitch will go diagonally into the corner, and the third stitch will be just after the corner.

An indent should also be done manually in the same manner so that one stitch is right at the indent. Loosening the pressure on your machine foot with help you turn the block more easily; or if you have a pressure foot lifter (see below) this makes the stitching easier as you do not have to lift the pressure foot by hand each time you change direction. You press your knee against this lifter and it will raise the pressue foot so you do not have to take your hands away from your stitching area.

Choosing the "needle down" position makes the needle stay in place when you stop and have to change direction. Pull the threads to the wrong side and tie them.

When all the stitching is completed; if you have used a stabilizer, tear this away from the back of the block. Make sure all thread ends are tied and clipped closely so that they will not shadow through to the front. Press carefully using steam.

Please leave your contact information if you have any questions concerning this tutorial.

Alzheimer Raffle Quilt from Auckland

2011-09-22T10:53:00.000-04:00

Dear Rosemary

Here is our finished quilt! It looks absolutely stunning, and a real community effort.

The Auckland Patchworkers and Quilters Guild makes a quilt every year to be raffled with the proceeds to go to a chosen charity; selling of the tickets culminates at our annual "Calico Christmas" quilt show in the first week in November where the quilt is always featured as part of the display.

This year we decided on blue and white, with our chosen charity as Alzheimers Auckland, whose logo of course is "Forget-me-not" with those colours, so our choice of quilt is perfect! .. Like other places around the world, New Zealand has an ageing population and there are over 40,000 people with dementia of some kind in the country, more than 10,000 of them in Auckland, our largest city.

Seventeen different people hand-appliquéd the 20 blocks, two others assembled the quilt; it was professionally machine quilted by another of our members and the binding done by yet another. These lovely people come from "all over" so its not been possible to assemble them all for a photo-shoot I'm afraid. We have just started selling the 2500 tickets, and I'm very hopeful we will sell all of them, particularly as Alzheimers Auckland is holding a big Quiz Night fundraiser in September and will be promoting ticket sales there too.

Thank you again for allowing us to use your designs. They are perfect for our purpose - so stylish and very up to date, but also so traditional - we know from previous raffle-ticket-selling experience that "traditional" is good! And I think all our hand-workers enjoyed their stitching. I know I have enjoyed organising it and am very proud of our result!

Yours sincerely

Elizabeth Sadler

Raffle Organiser,

Auckland Patchworkers and Quilters Guild Inc.

Welcome To My Studio

2011-08-03T09:55:00.007-04:00

My "studio" is actually my basement! LOL
It is a nice bright space and I feel very lucky to have it. I can come down here and get away from the world and just enjoy being creative--what a freeing experience!
This is my Janome 1600P which I like to use for free motion quilting. Here I am machine quilting my Canadiana Rose quilt.

Here are some of the ribbons I have won over the years. In the past I didn't enter my quilts in many contests as I was afraid of having my quilts lost or damaged during transit; but my quilt appraiser advised me that quilts are more valuable if they have won ribbons so I have started to enter a few more contests. Ribbons are nice but I always feel that more important is the satisfaction that you get when you complete something beautiful. I try to only compete with myself and try to learn something new with each quilt that I make.

Writing my books and designing my patterns has given me a lot of satisfaction.
It is probably the hardest thing for me to do and causes me a lot of stress sometimes but when I see the end result it seems all worthwhile.

This is my computer corner where I prepare my lesson plans, class handouts, patterns, and books. Unfortunately I find I'm here more than I am at my sewing machines.

Here is the newest addition to my sewing machine collection. I'm enjoying learning how to use my HQ18 midarm sewing machine. It's a bit harder to learn than I thought it would be. As I quilt on it, I keep thinking about the words of the song "I'm not perfect but I'm still trying."

Thanks for dropping by!

Marking a Quilting Pattern with Press'n Seal

2011-06-16T14:57:00.007-04:00

Sometimes it is difficult to see through a very thick fabric such as felted wool or a quilt that has already been sandwiched with the batting and backing. This makes tracing a quilting pattern onto the quilt very difficult. Using Press'n Seal (which is available in the grocery) simplifies this process.

First trace the quilting pattern onto the Press'n Seal with a fine tip permenant marker such as Pigma Pen size .05 and let the ink dry.

Then place this traced pattern onto the quilt in the desired location and finger press in place. Lower the feed dogs on your machine and use a darning foot to free motion quilt along all the lines of the quilting pattern.

After all the stitching has been finished; tear away the Press'n Seal leaving only the stitched quilting. In this photo I have started to remove some of the Press'n Seal. I use my fingernail to scratch at the Press'n Seal or sometimes I use tweezers to help pull off the pieces of the Press'n Seal.

Please leave me a comment if you find this technique helpful. Let me know if there is another technique you would like to see featured.

This post is a followup to my Felted Wool Applique tutorial posted on June 9, 2011 at http://stashmanicure.blogspot.com This was a very popular tutorial with 133 comments posted so far. Thanks everyone!

Mother's Day Quiz

2011-05-06T10:16:00.001-04:00

Who was this famous Mother?

1. Down the ages, told or sung,

Her rhymes delight the very young.

2. Fine old dame of visage glum,

Who knows the artist knows his mom.

3. Labouring in slums obscure,

Mothering a thousand poor.

4. Produced by this famed dowager,

One president, two senators.

5. Grandma proved it's none to late,

To gain renown with brush and paint.

Bet you can guess them all!

In Praise of Mothers on Mothers' Day

2011-05-06T09:52:00.003-04:00

This is a photo of my Mama quilt made from a pattern by Bunny Leighton of Bunny Publications. It shows my family in the center showcasing each of our hobbies--my husband with his gardening, me with my quilting, Ken with his turtles (one has escaped) and Candice with her doll.

The other blocks show all the many activities that mothers do in the course of a busy week looking after their family. I fell in love with this quilt because when I was small my Mom used to tell me stories of her mother whom she called Mama. The many activities reminded me of the things she said her mother used to do.

The pieced quilt blocks in the corners are called Happy Home. That's my wish for all of you--that you and your family have a happy home.

"God can't be everywhere; and, so, invented Mothers." Sir Edwin Arnold

Samplings from the Sea

2011-04-28T14:59:00.004-04:00

Samplings from the Sea was one of my first books and has been out of print for quite sometime now. However, to my surprise and delight some quilters are still making this quilt. I would like to share this very special variation with you.

Carolyn Black writes:

Hi, Rosemary, the quilt was made by a local group of quilters from Manteo, NC called the Teacup Quilters. It is a small group of 12 to 15 quilters that do a quilt exhibit every year during the month of March. It is held at Roanoke Island Festival Park. It is the home of the outdoor drama "The Lost Colony". The first Englishmen on this continent settled here. If you look at a map of North Carolina, we are on a barrier island off the coast. Many different members of the group did different blocks. I did one of the applique blocks since I am a glutton for applique. They also adapted the block patterns to paper piecing (not my bag). I wish you could really see this quilt and the fabrics that went into it. It was hard to imagine the quilt in different fabrics than the original, however, with the help of EQ it was determined that it would work. I also own a very small quilt shop in Manteo, Outer Banks Quilts and Antiques. www.obxquilts.com. I thought it would be interesting for you to actually see the quilt from a different perspective. The group hopes to see it on your website someday. Thanks for allowing us to use the pattern.

Another lovely variation sent to me some time ago is shown below:

I am a longarm machine quilter from southern New Hampshire (USA). About three years ago I was taking a class from my local quilt shop owner and while we were working on the project for the class, she was trying to complete another class sample for a block of the month series she was doing.
The quilt was from the Samplings From The Sea book and the quilt was a stunner! I told her then and there that if she ever decided to sell that quilt top or finished quilt to please let me know. Almost a year and a half ago, she closed her shop and that was the last I heard of it. From time to time I do hear from her because she still has customers that need machine quilting that that's about it.

Well, I got an e-mail from her about a month ago saying that she had finally sold her quilt shop and she was cleaning out and getting everything organized for the new owners. She wanted to know if I was still interested in the quilt that I had fell in love with a few years earlier. To make a long story a bit shorter, I purchased the quilt from her and now I have the wonderful task of machine quilting it.

Janet-Lee Santeusanio
Woodland Manor Quilting
Hampton Falls, NH

2011-04-19T09:21:00.000-04:00

I wanted to share this note from Cass Bowan on the success of their beautifully made raffle quilt from my book Floral Abundance. Congratulations to the Friendship Knot Quilters' guild!

"Way back in November, 2009, we corresponded and you gave permission for us to use your pattern "Flowering Urn Medallion Quilt"for our raffle quilt. Well, the show is over (March 11-12, 2011) and it was a huge success. Before the show it traveled to all the area quilt shops for display and ticket sales. It was appraised at $2,000. Our proceeds from the quilt totaled $3,632.00. A relative of one of our Guild members won the quilt so we were thrilled it was somebody we could identify with. It was a stunning quilt. I've attached a picture - not sure if I sent it when it was done.

Thank-you again for allowing us to use your pattern."

Cass Bowen
Friendship Knot Quilters' Guild
Sarasota, FL

Quilt Tours of Las Vegas

2011-03-24T09:21:00.000-04:00

I recently went on a great half day tour of some Las Vegas quilt shops hosted by Susan Tracy of Quilt Tours of Las Vegas. Our first stop was Fabric Boutique where I saw this great bag pattern by Charlene Bubb. A great idea for recycling your old jeans.

The second shop we visited was The Christmas Goose quilt shop which featured great gift selections as well as many wonderful samples and lots of applique quilts which I love.
Shown here are some of their quilt blocks using felted wool.

I've been making a felted wool wall hanging using the patterns from my Rose Sampler Supreme book so the felted wool samples were especially interesting for me to see. Felted wool is so easy to use as you don't need to turn under the seam allowances. The pieces can be fused in place and then sitched down with either a hand or machine blanket stitch.

Egypt--A New Day!

2011-02-18T13:13:00.000-05:00

Last February 2010, my husband Chris and I travelled to Egypt. We were very impressed with the people and their amazing history, wonderful temples, and artifacts from the Age of the Pharoahs. We watched with great interest the events during the recent uprising in Tahrir square, Cairo as our hotel was right across from the museum and this square. It is such good news to see these brave, patriotic people with such a rich cultural heritage finally making great strides toward democracy and freedom.

The above picture shows us enjoying a camel ride at the site of the three great pyramids. I must tell you an interesting story about our experience; one of the camel guides offered Chris one hundred camels in exchange for me! As bartering is the rule here, Chris countered with "No, two hundred!" He later told our friends that the only reason he didn't accept was because he thought it would be too difficult getting one hundred camels home on the plane and through customs. So now you know my true worth; at least now I know where I stand.

This is our official Egyptian photograph taken at the special Egyptian dinner and dance evening on the boat as we cruised down the Nile River. There is also an interesting story about how we purchased our costumes to wear for this evening. After dinner the previous night, we were having some drinks with friends and we heard someone calling outside the window; so Chris went to look and there were some vendors standing up in boats and they threw some bags up through the window. We weren't sure what was happening but then we realized the bags had costumes in them and they wanted us to buy them for the special event the next evening. Anyway, we ended up purchasing the ones you see us wearing. Here is a picture of Chris doing his "window shopping."

Be Attitudes

2011-02-11T10:43:00.001-05:00

Joan Carl proudly displays her finished quilt top on the last day of our
Be Attitudes class at The Quilters' Garden Patch in Bronte, Ontario.
This is a Nancy Halvorsen designed quilt in which she reminds us in these delightful blocks "of the uplifting attitudes and values that can make our lives more enjoyable and beautiful." The blocks were fused and stitched with black thread using a machine blanket stitch.

Christmas at Our House 2010

2011-01-20T19:34:00.001-05:00

Christmas at our house is over for another year! After the hustle and bustle of all the holiday preparations, I like to leave the decorations up for a week or two so that I have some quiet time to just sit while I sew or knit and enjoy the peace and quiet. It is then that I really appreciate the decorations and am especially thankful for my family and friends at this special time of year.

I made these crazy quilted Christmas stockings one year using bits of antique lace and scraps of velvet and satin. The only problem is they don't seem to hold enough! Santa always takes them off their hooks and fills them to the brim with lots of extra goodies around them on the floor.

Our Christmas tree is about 25 years old; everytime I decorate it now I wish it was a prelit one! But I perservere as once I have the lights on the rest seems easy and I like the openness of the tree brances as I can put lots and lots of decorations on by hanging some way inside the branches. I love lots of decorations--especially angels.

This is our Christmas table just before we are ready to have our dinner. I love setting a nice table! We had our daughter, four of her delightful friends, and our dear friend Margaret, to help up celebrate. It was a truly wonderful day!

Woodland Creatures Quilt by Joyce Tomcho

2010-07-29T11:17:00.000-04:00

Joyce shares her memories of making her lovely quilt.

I was so pleased to speak with you a short while ago, Rosemary. The delight I took making the Woodland Creatures was an experience I'll always remember and I was so happy I was able to share with you my delight appliquing your creatures .

As I mentioned my quilt will be in the Naples Quilt Show March 6th - 7th. Our show this year will be bigger than ever with over 20 vendors and I would estimate roughly 200 or more quilts will be shown. We also will be in a new and larger location at the Community School of Naples, off of Livingston Rd. During season our guild has a membership of close to 300. We have many extremely talented members, some whose quilts have been published and circulated internationally. This is the first quilt I've entered although I've made many quilts prior.

The backing on my quilt is a mossy green as is the binding. This seems to nicely compliment the greens I used in the quilt itself. It was a bit scary choosing green considering the quilt front background is a marbled dark blue. The blue always made me think of the animals out in the woodlands at night. I started with the Racoon. I believe his eyes were always on me...pushing me on to finish. More times than not I would look up the creatures on the Internet to achieve their exact shades of color. This quilt created a great deal of discussion in my Monday group and we would have a lot of fun discussing what actual shades of color the animals were. We referred to the quilt more times than not, affectionately, as the "animal" quilt.

With this said, I thank you for your creation (s) Rosemary and look forward to making Nature's Garden. You will note I selected one of the quotes you used for my label (see below) that I felt pertained to all the critters.

Sincerely Joyce Tomcho

Woodland Creatures

“In all of Nature there is something of the marvellous." Aristotle

Patterns Designed by Rosemary Makhan, Quilts by Rosemary

Hand Appliquéd by Joyce Vouch Tomcho, 2005-2009 Naples, Florida

Machine Quilted by Roni Israil-Weaver, Hulbert, Michigan

This quilt and the creatures herein took on a life of their own from the moment I began to craft them. I never knew exactly the outcome of their presence only that their essence filled my heart.

A Tribute Quilt for Danny Mitchell

2010-07-29T11:01:00.000-04:00

This quilt was made from the backs, sides and fronts of Danny's shirts.

Scott Mitchell (Danny's brother) writes:
We presented the quilt to my parents this past Sunday and it was a big hit. Everyone was very impressed with the quality and I wanted to thank you again for completing it.

In the picture are my parents, Hugh & Mary Mitchell, along with Dan’s boys – Dalton (orange shirt) & Owen.

Thank you again and I look forward to seeing the pics on your website.

Scott Mitchell

Carol Fraser's Woodland Valence

2010-07-20T20:11:00.000-04:00

Carol writes:

You may recall a while back I e-mailed you and told you that I wanted to make a valance to match my Woodland Creatures quilt. You kindly sent me the Song Sparrow border pieces, as I no longer had the original pattern.

I just wanted to thank you again for your generosity, and to share with you the finished product.

Thanks
Carol Fraser

Ginny Vesey's Prize Winning Quilt

2010-07-20T19:53:00.000-04:00

Ginny writes:
We spent this past weekend up in Charleston, SC, and attended the Cobblestone Quilt Guild show, a nice show and great town. Since I always try to get up there for their show I decided to enter a couple of quilts and wanted to let you know that Zircon and the Woodland Creatures received an Honorable Mention - and then won Viewer's Choice. It is such a wonderful pattern and I am thrilled that so many other folks enjoy it also.
I downsized the pattern and Zircon is 68" x 85" with a lovely Moda dark brown background. It is named after my son's pet rabbit which hopped out an open door and joined the woodland creatures - out in Park City, Utah. Truly "woodland creatures" country! This was not that long ago, Dan was living in a townhouse where he couldn't have a dog and ended up getting a bunny.
Also, I received notice yesterday that Zircon has been accepted into the Paducah show, so I am truly honored and thrilled.
Do you have plans to go to Paducah by chance? I would surely love to meet you!
Best regards, Ginny Vesey

Donna Lohman's Woodland Creatures Quilt

2010-07-20T15:05:00.000-04:00

Donna writes, "I started this quilt as block- of-the-month in Oct. 2004. I finished in February 2010. I enjoyed this project so much.

I used a lot of different fabrics, plus lots of wool and suede. I tried as many techniques as I could, from needle turning all the appliqué, needle punch, thread art, and much more. The quilt was machine quilted by my daughter Debbie, she did such a wonderful job.

Thank you for sharing your talent and your design."

Donna M Lohman
Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania

Biblical Blocks Quilt

2010-04-20T14:03:00.000-04:00

Sandra Pritchard writes,"This quilt was made for Fr. John Antony, Pastor of St. Joseph church in Fayetteville, AR. Fr. John was assigned to our church last October. At that time the congregation had a house warming. The idea to make a quilt came about and many ladies from the church and several from my local quilt guild that are not members of St. Joseph came together and the project began. There were twelve quilters that pieced the top. We also had a few people who donated monetarily.

This project was challenging, for a few of the ladies are true beginners. We all agree that the end result is one we hope Fr. John will be proud of. I know we are proud of it. Again thanks for your book that inspired us all to focus on Biblical Blocks."

Congratulations on making such a beautiful quilt. I love the fabrics you chose.

Apple Tree

2010-04-20T13:15:00.001-04:00

My brother, Morris, took this picture of an old apple tree that grows in the orchard near our family home where I grew up in Nova Scotia. This old tree was half dead and has had most of its' branches pruned away but it just keeps on blooming! It's just one example of strength and perseverance in our family. Many of my family members have had major life problems to face and I'm very proud to say that they have always handled them with tenacity and courage.

Ruth McLeod's Rose Sampler Quilt

2010-03-15T19:13:00.000-04:00

Ruth McLeod is shown (in the center) at the London Friendship Quilters' Guild workshop--members are admiring her Rose Sampler quilt made from the patterns in my book Rose Sampler Supreme. Ruth chose a lovely blue and purple colour scheme for her exquisitly stitched quilt.

Jill Buckley--The Quilt Rat

2010-03-15T18:41:00.000-04:00

The above photo shows how Jill prepared for my Woodland Creatures workshop at the London Friendship Quilters' Guild by making a little mock up of the block (see the little one in the lower left corner) to see if she was happy with her fabric choices. Also shown is the full size block that she prepared in the workshop--now ready for needle and thread.
Her fabric choices are based on the fact that when the bunnies visit her garden (usually to nibble favourite plants) it is early morning, so she wanted this piece to have that dappled sun effect.

Jill writes on her blog "Yesterday, I attended a workshop conducted by Rosemary Makhan who led us through a wonderful day of learning her applique method. Those of you who are regular readers know that not only do I rarely work with someone else's patterns, I generally am not a flowery type quilter. That just might all change after the last couple of days.
Seeing Rosemary's work on her web site is one thing but seeing it up close and personal is entirely different. I don't think you can look at her amazing work and not be inspired. We were treated to her trunk show at guild on Thursday evening .....each time you thought it could not possibly get any better another spectacular quilt emerged. If you ever have a chance to take a class with Rosemary, take my advice, do NOT pass up the opportunity."

Thank you so much for your very kind comments, Jill. I am including a link to Jill's blog The Quilt Rat so that you can see more of Jill's prize winning work, her musings, and her wonderful doodles.

Penn Gregg's Woodland Creatures Quilt

2010-03-15T14:18:00.000-04:00

Penn Gregg sends this photo of her prize winning Woodland Creature quilt which she made for her grandson, James. Penn's quilt won a Blue Ribbon in the Home & Craft over 70 Division and a "best in show" Purple Ribbon at the South Caroline State Fair, Columbia, South Carolina, 2009.

Penn and James very generously shared their prize money by donating to the Shizophrenia Society of Ontario and to the Canadian Wild Life Federation. Thanks so much for your thoughtful gifts.

Penn writes "James has the quilt on his bed and I think he loves it. He wrote me a wonderful thank you note, from which I quote '...I have never known anyone who has ever made something so beautiful. Thank you so much.'
So the eight years it took me to complete this project were, in my book and James' well worth the wait!"

Flowering Urn Quilt

2010-03-15T13:24:00.000-04:00

Muriel Taylor showed her Flowering Urn quilt from my book Floral Abundance at a recent meeting of the Port Perry Patchers in Port Perry, Ontario. It was evident from the reaction of the guild members that Muriel is well known for selecting beautiful fabrics and for her tiny, exquisite stitches.

A very special Double Wedding Ring Quilt

2010-02-17T14:36:00.000-05:00

Margaret Messier and Annette Guenther are shown here putting some last minute stitches on a Double Wedding Ring quilt that was made as a group effort with friend Halyna Doherty for Halyna's son and daughter in law for their recent wedding.

The finished quilt is shown here. Halyna (on the left) chose beautiful gold background tone-on-tone fabrics with a touch of metallic for a exquisite quilt with a "touch of class."

Halyna writes--

"Well... the excitement of the wedding is now over, and we are enjoying nice memories of how we prepared for this event. One of the highlights for sure was the quilt... Here is a photo of the presentation to the kids at the reception.

Rosemary, thanks to you and your capable teaching, we were able to learn and enjoy making this quilt. When I think of the double wedding ring pattern - you come to mind. You encouraged us and helped us along, sometimes in the midst of our silliness.. thanks for your patience and your support. We enjoyed this project very much."

Dresdan Plate Class

2010-02-17T14:20:00.000-05:00

This photo shows (left to right) Cathy Martin, Judy Neill and Debbie Dumont with some of their lovely 1930's reproduction fabric Dresdan Plate quilt blocks made during a recent class at The Quilters' Garden Patch in Bronte, Ontario.

Blooming Roses

2010-01-18T20:08:00.001-05:00

I would like to share with you some exquisite photos of a quilt based on patterns from my book Rose Sampler Supreme. The quilt was appliqued by Sandy Garvin and machine quilted by Maria Shell from Anchorage, Alaska. The photos were taken by Chris Arend.

This is a close up photograph of the expert applique and of the custom heirloom machine quilting which makes this quilt special.

The undulating feather pattern quilted in the border and the extremely close background quilting brings this quilt into the expert class. Congratulations Sandy and Maria!

Circle of Friendship Quilt

2009-12-23T15:18:00.000-05:00

Deborah Seigel is shown here in her living room where she proudly displays her Circle of Friendship quilt which I made for her and her husband Ron. This quilt is a fabric representation of the Kindness and Giving Circle logo of the Acts of Kindness Network that Deborah founded in Halton Region in remembrance of her mother.

Deborah and Ron Seigel are shown here at our recent December meeting of the Halton Quilters' Guild. Our guild members help support the Holiday Gift Drive each year by bringing toiletries and other gifts for people in group homes, seniors residences, families in need, etc. We also donate ten or more of our Cuddle Quilts for those who need some extra warmth at this time of year. To learn more about the work of the Acts of Kindness network go to www.aokn.ca.

A Very Special Christmas Quilt

2009-12-23T14:54:00.000-05:00

Amanda is shown here proudly displaying a very special Christmas quilt that I made for her so that she could surprise her family with a memory quilt made from her father's shirts. The quilt top is made from the sleeves and fronts of the shirts and the back is made from the shirt backs. The binding is also made from assorted strips cut from the shirts.

This is the label that has been stitched onto the back of the quilt so that the purpose and the special meaning of this quilt will be documented for friends and family. This quilt will be treasured for many years to come.

New Canadian Quilting Magazine

2009-11-09T18:39:00.000-05:00

Great news! We now have a new Canadian quilting magazine. It's called Quilter's Connection and is published and edited by Heather McArthur. The web site is www.quiltersconnection.ca They also have a free e-newsletter filled with information, great tips for quilters, and fun & easy projects.

Brant Heritage Quilters' Guild

2009-11-09T18:21:00.000-05:00

Recently I gave a Trunk Show at the Brant Heritage Quilters' Guild in St. George, Ontario. At their Show and Tell, I was surprised and pleased to see Kareen Bigg's beautiful Rose Sampler quilt based on the block patterns in my book Rose Sampler Supreme.

Ally Bryant showed a block she made at a recent workshop that I gave for their guild.

Anne Maguire brought her lovely pillow that she made from the workshop.

Ann Fucic made this wonderful table runner from three of her blocks.

Signs of Autumn

2009-10-19T19:21:00.000-04:00

Autumn is one of my favourite times of the year. I love seeing a pumpkin patch as it reminds me of all the fun that children have at Hallowe'en. I remember my son when he was little saying that he liked Hallowe'en even more than Christmas--that was when I really understood how much he loved candies!

This was taken at a country fruit market near Osborne Corners, Ontario.

I bought some pie pumpkins, some mums, and a delightful harvest basket filled with plants here at Terra Nursery on Dundas Street, Burlington.

Some brilliant Sumak bushes seen on a walk with my daughter.

This time of year I like to display my Tricia Romance picture called Root Cellar and my Signs of Autumn wall quilt in my entrance hall to welcome my guests. I like to give thanks also for my family, my relatives, my friends, my home, and all the joy I get from my quilting and scrapbooking hobbies.

Needle Sisters Quilters' Guild, Elmira, Ontario

2009-10-13T14:50:00.000-04:00

I recently was a special guest at the 10th Anniversary Celebration of a wonderful group of quilters called the Needle Sisters Quilters' Guild in Elmira, Ontario.

We started our Retreat on Friday evening with a dinner together and then I gave a Trunk Show. This Biblical quilt was on display in the church. It was made by Marnie Ewasko from my Biblical Blocks book.

The next day I gave a workshop on the Road to Paradise quilt from my book More Biblical Quilt Blocks book. Here is a photo of the class with one of their blocks finished.

We had a show and tell of quilts that some of the workshop members brought that they had made from my patterns or classes. Betty Plummer brought her Woodland Creatures quilt.

Debbie Beirnes brought her Rose Sampler quilt from my book Rose Sampler Supreme.

Debbie also brought her Baltimore Album quit that she made when I taught a class from Volumes One and Two of Baltimore Beauties and Beyond by Elly Sienkiewicz a few years ago at Reichard's Quilt Store in Elmira.

The quilt retreat committee members: Deb Beirnes, Edna Keown, Nora Crone, Sheila McMillan and I.

Pauline Clark was my hostess and it was a real treat to stay with her in her lovely home. Thank you, Pauline.

The Quilters' Garden Patch

2009-09-14T20:28:00.000-04:00

September is here and we quilters are anxious to get back to our quilting.

I sometimes teach classes at a lovely little shop in Bronte (at the west end of Oakville), Ontario. This shop has a very friendly atmosphere, a wonderful selection of fabrics, and offers some really interesting classes.

Last spring I taught a class called Samplings from the Sea. The quilt is a collection of blocks with a maritime theme. This is Louise Robitaille with some of her finished blocks.

This is Amy Hart with her finished blocks.

This fall I will be teaching a workshop called Ladies of the Night--we have a fun evening ( from 7 p.m. to 1 a. m.) of stitching an easy mystery quilt while enjoying pizza and snacks.

I will also be teaching an old favourite pattern--the Dresdan Plate.
We will be making an easy variation done with piecing and blanket stitch applique either by hand or machine. The petal curved border makes this quilt extra special. This quilt has a lot of memories for me as I've made mine from scraps that I saved from my mother's scrap drawer intermingled with some 1930's reproduction prints.

Wine Tour

2009-09-11T14:58:00.000-04:00

My daughter wanted me to give her a Wine Tour as a present for her birthday--so I decided to go along too! We had a great day together discovering a lot of interesting facts about grapes, wine, and how to pair wines with various foods.

These grapes were at Chateau des Charmes; they pinch off the small grape clusters at the top of the vines and only let the ones grow at the bottom of the vines so that they are easy to pick.

Candice in the Chateau Des Charmes Vineyard.

Candice and I with Anna Olson at Olson Foods. We had lunch with Anna and we received an autographed cookbook. Anna uses locally grown produce from the Niagara region. She was very gracious and a lovely lady!

The autographed cookbook that we received beside our peach dessert. Yummy!

At Ravine Winery which is next door to Olson Foods.

The Upper Canada Cheese Company where we tasted delicious cheeses locally made from the milk of Guernsey cows.

Candice and I resting at the Fielding Estate Winery--we'd been wined and dined out!

Happy to be heading home with our purchases!

Sandcastles

2009-09-11T14:39:00.000-04:00

This summer Joan Conners, my friend and long, lost realtive who I worked with many years ago at the Halifax Chronicle Herald and Mail Star, visited me. We enjoyed walking and talking as we strolled along the Burlington Beach strip pathway. There had been a Sandcastle competition a few days before so we were delighted to see and admire this wonderful sand creation made by award winning sculptor, Sandy Castle. I kid you not!

Missing, Lost or Stolen

2009-09-11T14:26:00.000-04:00

Recently these workshop samples went missing from Girous Sewing Center in Cornwall, Ontario. If you see these samples anywhere, please contact me with an Email through my web site as I would like to recover them if possilbe, as I need them for upcoming workhops. Thanks very much for your help.

Colour Shadow Trapunto Workshop Sample

Invisible Machine Applique Workshop Sample.

2009-09-11T14:14:00.000-04:00

Heal the World

2009-07-27T11:56:00.000-04:00

On our way to the Toronto Outdoor Art Exhibition we passed by an artist called Singh who was starting to do a chalk painting on a side walk square across from the Eaton Center. He was using a small colour picture clipped from a magazine for a reference.

On our way back later in the day, we passed that way again and a small crowd of admirers had gathered around him. His painting was beautifully done; but I couldn't help but think what a shame that it was so fleeting and temporary in nature. It occured to me that in comparison, we spend an enormous amount of time making our quilts but they often last for generations.

We went by a few days later and the painting had almost disappeared--people were walking and riding their bikes over it. I felt sad.

One of my favourite Micheal Jackson songs is Heal the World. It has such an important message presented in such a beautiful way. What a talented person he was!

Copy and paste this link to listen to this amazing song: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7oay9mDRHEM

Rosemary

Toronto Outdoor Art Exhibition

2009-07-27T11:35:00.000-04:00

Recently my daughter and I were in Toronto to see the Outdoor Art Exhibition at Nathan Phillips square. It was an amazing show with many talented local artists showcased.

A sunset on the lake.

2009-07-23T13:44:00.001-04:00

Some stair steps up the hill.

2009-07-23T13:37:00.001-04:00

A rare red trillium.

2009-07-23T13:34:00.000-04:00

A Walk Through the Woods

2009-07-23T13:31:00.000-04:00

An old shed in a clearing near the golf course.

A Walk Through the Woods

2009-07-23T13:23:00.001-04:00

A wooden bench to rest on along the way.

A Walk Through the Woods

2009-07-23T13:14:00.000-04:00

Here are some pictures taken as Candice and I walked along the woodland trails behind our cottage.

2009-07-14T19:43:00.000-04:00

Here is a picture of the center block of my quilt with the winning ribbons attached.

This block is called Prairie Crocus Wreath and features these flowers as well as Chicory, Musk Mallow and wild berries.

The whole quilt is echo quilted in lines which are approximately one quarter inch apart.

There is a meandering feather design quilted in the borders in the spaces beside the flowering vine.

Rosemary

Welcome

2009-07-14T18:54:00.000-04:00

Welcome to my blogspot.

My exciting news is that my Nature's Garden nine block quilt won the First Place Viewers' Choice ribbon in the large traditional quilt catagory at the Halton Quilters' Guild show this spring. This summer it also won a First Place ribbon at the Vermont Quilt Festival.

This quilt took me several years to design, sew the blocks, and then most of last winter I quilted some on it every week on my Janome 1600P. This machine has about a nine inch space under the arm to manipulate the quilt so it was not an easy task and often my neck and shoulders were aching. How we quilters suffer! :)

I made this quilt for my daughter, Candice, in remembrance of our walks together at our cottage. We love to walk through the woodland trails behind our cottage--it's restful and peaceful and I'm always amazed at how rejuvenated we feel after our walks. We often see birds, and many different wild flowers, which is what gave me the inspiration to design and make this quilt.

When I was growing up in Nova Scotia, I often went walking with my Mom and her sisters through the hay fields and the woods looking for wild flowers so making this quilt brought back lots of pleasant memories of those times as well.

I hope you will come back and visit me often.

Rosemary