Free Motion Quilting - Basics

Yep, I'm teaching a class next Thursday evening at the WonderFil thread offices...actually in the Threaducation classroom next door.  6:30-9:30pm.    We'll be doing the first-basics-beginner FREE MOTION QUILTING class.

In this class we'll cover the basics...how to set up your sewing machine for Free Motion Quilting, the necessary and optional accessories, thread and tension issues and also (most importantly), the 5 basic shapes that make up ALL free motion quilting designs.  There will be lots of time to practice in class and I'll keep an close eye on everyone as they sew.  AND WonderFil thread is included!

I like to keep my classes small (8 maximum), so that everyone has enough room to work, but also so that I can get around to everyone in the class and give you some personal attention and tips and tricks.

If you are interested in this class, give me a call (space is limited) at 403-819-8126 to register.  $42 including GST.  You can register with your credit card.

This week's sewing

I am spending the week with my very crafty (talented) parents in Winnipeg.  We are up early to have breakie and a short visit then head downstairs to their designated work spaces.

My Dad loves to putter...he is currently modifying his new shop vac.  Putting it on a wheeled base so that it moves easier and won't tip over!  This morning's task is a new batch of wine!!!!  Won't be ready by the time I head home, but I am enjoying the fruits of his previous labour.  Dad has also spent some time with a young mum from their church.  He is teaching her to do stained glass.  He is in his element!

My Mum is a knitter and quilter.  She spends most of her time downstairs sewing and if not at her machine, she'll be found in the kitchen (cooking great food) or sitting in her chair knitting.  The knitting is usually an evening-in-front-of-the-TV activity.  This morning we're heading down to design a table runner.  She found this runner pinned to the wall in a store and now we get to work out the design for her to sew!

I'm spending the week working remotely and sewing samples for the new Handi Quilter Studio.  I have decided to name each of our 4 machines with flower names that start with the letters A, B, C and D.  I had girl's names chosen, but after thought and discussion ended up with Aster, Bluebell, Calla and Daisy.

I have been working on some little quilts that we can hang on the machines....Not happy with Aster and Daisy. Will have to play some more and may end up re-doing them  They're not finished yet, but you'll get the idea.

I have found these projects to be quite relaxing.  I just stitch an all over design until I get bored, then move onto another design.   Stitched with WondeFil Accent, Spaghetti and Fruitti.  Will post better photos when they are complete.

Summer Quilt

I am visiting my parents.  Mum has a different bed quilt for each of the seasons.  This is her summer quilt.  I quilted it for her using my handi quilter sweet sixteen sit down machine.

I did some lovely work 7 years ago! 

We're Waiting......

In July I was invited to join the WonderFil Specialty Threads team and set up and manage a Handi Quilter Rental Studio and write and publish a variety of newsletters for WonderFil Specialty Threads. There will be two of us looking after the Threaducation Centre and the Rental Studio. Come by for a visit!

We'll have 2 HQ Avantes; these are 18" machines on 12 foot tables. 

We'll have a ProStitcher on one of the Avantes; a computer system for quilting.

We'll have 2 Sweet Sixteen sit down models.













To rent, you will be required to take a 2-3 hour certification course to learn how to use these fabulous machines. Once certified, you can rent machines.....Aren't you excited?

The studio is very empty....but soon, we'll have the walls covered in quilts and the floors full of machines!

Our Classroom Space doesn't look like much yet, but we'll get lots of inspiration up on the walls soon!

Look at all these threads you can use!   

quilt retreat in Trail BC.

It's been a great week. I feel like I've accomplished a lot.  I have COMPLETELY FINISHED my Arabesque quilt.  I finished quilting it at home. Came to retreat and trimmed and bound it.

I completed my Winter Ice quilt top.  Had to sew 4 blocks, get them into the top and add the border.  The quilt measures 113 x 113 inches. ...that's 12 meters of faux piped binding already to go.   I've found that I need to make the binding when I make the top, otherwise I loose or use the fabric.

We went to the States on Wednesday and I bought some fabric for my HST sampler quilt.  Calling this Entwined Swoon.  The quilt top uses 2 sizes of Half Square Triangles which will be a great teaching sample for guild in two weeks.

Now to spend the rest of our last day working on some mini trips blocks.

sewing in Trail BC

I've had a busy week.  I've joined a group of ladies at a quilting retreat.  We are getting quite a bit accomplished.

Arabesque....quilting

Gonna get this done today if possible....but for sure by the weekend.