New American Quilter Magazine

I am busily packing for my trip to Calgary and Australia. I leave with the sparrows tomorrow morning and I still need to pack my clothes and shorten some new pants. I just needed to share with you the new American Quilter which arrived in the mail today. There is a very nice profile about my quilts in the May issue. The photography is great and shows off the fabulous machine quilting that Carol Rickard my quilter did on all the quilts featured. Well back to packing and accumulating all my sewing threads, wools and notions for my handwork on the way. I will be taking my computer with me so I hope to keep you updated on my travels. Creative Stitching Sue

March Happenings

I had a great time at the annual NEORQC weekend where I taught 'Flowerbed'. The emphasis was on embellishments which everyone really got into. I was delighted that both Renee and Kathy brought their finished quilts to share with everyone. I love the way Kathy has put her colors together on her Ginger Grove quilt and also the great wool zig-zag border she created on two sides. Carol Rickard finished it with her fabulous quilting. Renee used some great cotton prints in her Folklore and she changed the blocks around a little to make it her own. When I teach I always try to emphasis creativity as who would want a quilt that looks just like mine. I love for my students to use my patterns as a spring board to make their pieces unique and a reflection of themselves. Even customers who buy kits have a tendency to change things around and add personal touches. It is fun to try any of the blocks from my books to make pillows, table runners and pin keepers. Have fun and don't forget to share them with me and I can then pass them on for everyone to see. This week I traveled to Michigan to teach and lecture at the Town Hall Quilt Guild. What a fabulous group of quilters! They were so enthusiastic and eager to learn. I also learnt that a local store was running a very successful BOM program from one of my books. I have been toying with the idea of starting a program for stores which will be different. This reminds me that it is probably the right time to do this. With so many programs out there it has to be unique to be successful! While I have been traveling and now getting ready for my big trip to Calgary and Australia this is what the folks at home have been up to. Aimee and Kelly have had their heads in the dye pots and Cathy along with Michelle have been working very hard with the website orders and BOM shipments. Aimee and Cathy have a little thing going and on the side Aimee has been taking photos of Cathy and posting different desktop pictures on the computer. So Cathy started hiding very funny items in Aimee's bedroom. Here are some of the things you guys are missing out on. Spring must be in the air! Take care Sue

Urban Sacs

My first purse book 'Urban Sacs' has arrived. I am delighted with the results. I must say it was the hardest book to write, I spent many days working the instructions so they would be very clear and sketched many drawings to clarify the instructions. It contains 4 sacs which I made in wonderful combination's of fabrics like hand dyed wools, cottons, upholstery fabrics, hand dyed velvets and even leather. I then embellished with ribbons, beads and antique buttons. The 'Journey Tote' is made with wool and upholstery fabrics. I did not applique on this tote but used some ribbons and buttons as embellishment. I love to travel with this bag as it has many pockets and two different size straps. The Meadow backpack uses a fun combination of Japanese fabrics and hand dyed wool and has a floral applique on the flap. The closure is magnetic. The 'Savannah Satchel' is like a messenger bag with lots of pockets for pencils and a journal as well as you personal items. As I am very partial to Africa it was appropriate to applique an elephant on the front. I used fuchsia velvet for his ear and a leather closure. This is a great sac called 'Vintage Duffel'. It was inspired from a bag my son Jason brought in Ecuador. I gave it a leather base and appliqued a floral design all the way around the purse. It is finished with grommets and a tie. It is hard to believe I have already finished all my books for Spring Market in May. It is a good feeling to be ahead as I am leaving for Australia in just two weeks and will only return home in time for market. We are in the process of assembling all the items to kit these four bags. This has been a lot of work as there are many bits and pieces to each one. We plan to have these available on the website at the end of the month. I am teaching both Magnolia and the 'Vintage Duffel' at the Sisters show in July. Hope to see some of you there! Take care and creative stitching Sue