My Dearest Cherrywood,

My life would simply feel incomplete without special moments found in the presence of my quilting crush, Cherrywood Fabric.  Over the past couple of days not only was I fulfilling my passion of “quilting” but I also laid hands on the love of my life – CHERRYWOOD! Yes, Cherrywood Fabric ranks up there as my first love, but I also have a second love.  I mean, god forbid there’s no Cherrywood in my life I need to have options! So next in line would undoubtedly have to be feathers.  Oh, how I gush when I am quilting feathers into a design.  Now, just imagine my reaction when I am presented with a project that utilized Cherrywood Fabric AND Feathers!! Yes, I was beyond thrilled and I owe all my happiness to Linda McQuaid, who is a member of the Cherrywood team.  The planets aligned perfectly for me because she requested that I complete her very first quilt. Of course I gave her a big “Hell Yes!”  I was in dream land during this quilting process and although I didn’t want to wake up reality called, but I’m thrilled to report that the finished product will be displayed proudly in team Cherrywood’s booth. I highly recommend having those credit cards handy for the kit!

It felt like ions since I have completed a quilt for a customer, I was so excited to have the chance to not only produced a client quilt but this piece allowed me to cover issues that students inquire about during my Divide and Design Class.

First up:  What do you do if the quilt is not a square?

Second question:  What do you do if there really isn’t a central focal point?

In response to the first question if your quilt isn’t a square, relax, no big deal.  Breathe easy and treat the quilt as if it were a square.  You will simply begin in the center and divide your quilt.  Easy right?!

Pertaining to the second question, if there is no true focal point just create one. Looking at the picture above you can see there is a pieced block in the center, and it is the identical to the other pieced blocked on the fabric.  Our goal is to produce a design around that.

I implemented some straight line quilting to define a few areas; and then filled them.

Final question:  What if I don’t want to quilt my piece to death?

I understand, sometimes less is more.  I didn’t want to quilt this fabric too heavily, which was really unlike me.  I had to determine what I was going to apply on the outside of the quilt.  This was the real challenge on this quilt.  So I used my tracing paper to figure it all out.  In order to steer clear of quilting too much I chose to make a large-scale grid work (thank you Barb Persing) by using the piecing as my guide.

And there you have it; a little adventure that had me living the dream of working with my two loves; Cherrywood and feathers! Thank you Linda for allowing me to be a part of your quilting journey, and bringing the best of both worlds to my quilting days.

What do you all think?

 

I Just Wanna Have Fun

 

 

Most of you know it’s with much excitement that I’ve announced that Perfect Plumes has made its big debut.  But what you don’t know is that during the process of constructing my latest class, with a little help, I filmed a little promo video for the launch of my newest addition.  Below you will find the small segment to watch, if you haven’t already. And if you’re about to click “play” keep in mind that there’s nothing I love more than adding a bit of comedy into my work days.

So feel free take a look at the video:

Since you have watched the above little clip I’d like to now reveal the first couple recordings that were filmed.  But first I need to disclose that my red-headed assistant, Drea, was helping with this project. And whenever the two of us are found in the same room, regardless of size, a unique and rare element of playfulness fills the space. For the record I’d like to say that despite how many times fits of laughter place our work on a brief pause; we still manage to be productive!  So, on this particular day Drea, and I thought it would be fun to add a “tiny” bit of costuming to the video; and the chosen accessory was a wig. The end result is what you are about to observe below.  Now, I realize that you may not find it nearly as comical as we did; but trust me, managing a falling wig makes “serious” acting a bit difficult. My intent in sharing these clips is to encourage everyone to permit themselves to embrace silly, laughter-filled, moments in their day.  And if you’re lucky enough to have someone who brings that aspect into your life then make sure that you incorporate them into your tomorrows!

Enjoy and have a laugh…

 

Presenting… Perfect Plumes!

 

Some things are worth the wait, and I have to admit these are one of those things!  If you’ve been yearning to master the technique of creating beautiful heirloom feathers then, Perfect Plumes is calling your name!  The class is broken down into steps that are easy to understand and provides the knowledge and skills needed to enhance this aspect of quilting. The only catch is there is no magic fairy dust..

 

 

You may not want to hear this folks but the fact remains, like many things, the key to success with creating feathers is practice, practice, practice! You want to succeed, and I want you to succeed, so in order to achieve that, Perfect Plumes includes worksheets to be downloaded.  Trust me, they will be a huge learning asset. In addition, the class incorporates videos demonstrating drawings and stitching performed on the domestic machine.

When I began quilting, I desperately wanted to master feathers.  This didn’t happen over night, in fact, it took some patience, time, and a lot of doodling.  My unwavering dedication in grasping this concept evolved into a huge love of feathers.  They are, by no means perfect, but that’s just fine with me.

Okay, enough about me, back to YOU and Perfect Plumes! Finally, the conclusion of this session incorporates a final project to test your skills, and the pattern is included! A class with manageable steps, videos, worksheets, and a final project; what more could a fan of heirloom feathers ask for?  Trust me you’ll soon see that magic fairy dust isn’t necessary; the true magic lies in YOU!

So let’s get you flying with feathers! Sign up now!

Enjoy Mother’s Day….Sale Style!

THE ENTIRE STORE!

 

 

“Happy Mother’s Day”- Sale Style!

        Enjoy 21% Off The Entire Store                  From May 10-17 2018

***No codes necessary!

(this does not include previously purchased items or iquilt classes)

Whether you’re raising children or fur babies. I’m celebrating ALL of you!

Twenty-one years ago I welcomed my first son, Brandon, into the world.  Since I’ve been in “mom mode” for twenty-one years I felt justified in hosting a sale that provides 21% off the entire store. You heard right, all of those wonderful rulers you have been coveting can be purchased without guilt.   Some of my personal favorites are the Proline 8 and 16  yes, I love those small little lines; and those handy-dandy ProEcho rulers which I faithfully utilize on every quilt !  LETS NOT FORGET..

Simple Nine Patch

The new ProFeather Ruler!  This is a fantastic training tool, as well as a template!  Once you choose to give this ruler a try you’ll find yourself creating freehand feathers in no time.

Do you have a favorite? If so, what are some of them? Curious minds want to know!

 

Since I’m in the “Mother’s Day” spirit, I’d like you to send me your response to the below phrase.

“My mom always made the best ________”

I can’t wait to hear from all of you! And I wish you all a very, very Happy Mother’s Day!

---

 

 

 

NJ Quilt Fest and Memory Lane

Thank you Manusco! I’m sure they weren’t aware that selecting Edison, New Jersey as the new venue for the NJ Quilt fest, would bestow upon me a priceless gift.   In addition, I am quite certain they had no idea that they would have my professional and personal lives joining paths for the weekend.

 

So, believe it or not I actually grew up in the town of Plainfield which is right next to Edison, in fact my high school was in Edison.  Good Ole “Evergreen School” (my elementary school) I remember it felt overwhelming walking the halls as a young student.  Now the aged brick building appears so small.  Ah those early school days..

Yes, rings were exchanged and vows were made. Unfortunately when I recently witnessed the establishment it was evident that the church had aged over time. It no longer evoked  an establishment that housed an assembly of participating parishioners. Instead its lack of visitors was evident by the hollow, unkept, grounds and vacant parking lot.

 

My Days Intertwined:

Class was, of course, in session throughout the weekend.  And my students were incredible as always.  I couldn’t believe that one of my students actually went home and redid her “in class” project.  A shout-out to Valeria for doing an amazing job!

 

My timing couldn’t be have been more on point.  The weekend I was in town also happened to be the life celebration of a dear friend of mine who had passed last year.  Perhaps you recall my post last year that spoke of Paul.  He was a second brother to me and his presence is missed daily.  Paul is one of those rare individuals that we may have lost but will never forget.  My older brother had a “gang”, okay  let’s revise that a little.  My brother was part of six, very close friends, who spent a lot of quantity and quality time together.  Most of them knew me since the time I wore diapers.  Thankfully I don’t remember such early introductions, bottom line, they were all an extended part of our family.  When Paul lost his battle with cancer in 2017,  it was an enormous loss to me. I wasn’t sure how to deal and process the grief that I was experiencing.  In a shocker, quilting became my therapy. It was my means of getting through such devastation.  My mind and hands went to work constructing a special piece for my brother in honor of Paul.  Ironically the binding was completed during the Quilt Fest and I delivered this little memento at his party later that weekend.

Life has a way of placing us where we need to be at exactly the right time.  Although none of us will be able to close the missing piece that Paul has placed in our hearts, we will forever relive our lives with him strolling, together, down “Memory Lane”.

England, Switzerland, Germany..Oh My!

Europe here I come! Can you believe it? I am still pinching myself in disbelief that I will find myself traveling that way in August! Now that plans are finalized I can share some of the small details of where this exciting adventure will take me.

FIRST STOP:

Festival of Quilts in England! No, I’m not kidding! AND if anyone would like to consider joining me; you can receive a discount on your admission ticket! Instead of paying the cost of £16* for adult tickets or £14.50* for concession tickets, you will get a discount and pay £13.50* (£2.50 off adult tickets and £1 off concession tickets).  Have I have stirred the travel bug in any of my fellow quilters? In case I have, here is the link to use and your special code:  Festival of Quilts, apply the code WT57 in order to receive your discount.   (This is an affiliate link)

England and I have never met so I’m over the moon to have the opportunity to make this introductory journey!

SECOND STOP:

Landing in beautiful Steckborn, Switzerland!  There I will conduct two 2 full days of teaching classes at the BERNINA headquarters!

FINAL DESTINATION:

Hello Germany!  I will spend time at Regina Klaus’ training center where I will get the opportunity to teach for another 2 full days of classes!

This is bound to be a once in lifetime experience, so I’m really hoping to cross paths with some of you along my travels.

Lisa, Lisa, Where Are You?

I realize that I have been MIA, but for good reason as it all pertains to my love of quilting.  Numerous commitments have kept me on the go; trust me even my husband thinks I’ve disappeared!  First up was MQX (Machine Quilter’s Expo) in New Hampshire.  I love attending this show, it holds a special place in my heart since it was my first teaching gig way back in 2006.  I get such an overwhelming sense of nostalgia when I walk through the doors of this arena.

The word “amazing” doesn’t come close to describing this show or the quilts! AND the quilters were spectacular!  I am beyond thrilled to report that my four-year (okay five-year) project, “Oh, My Bleeding Heart” placed 3rd in the Solo division!  I am speechless and filled with immense joy.  

During my classes I was in awe of my incredibly talented students, and that’s putting it mildly.  They were amazing and brought tons of fun and the love of teaching to my days at MQX.

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No, no I have not forgotten about my Perfect Plumes class.  The perfectionist that I am, I felt  that I needed to add a “final” project to the session.  This little addition to the class has taken me a little bit longer than expected to produce. Good things come to those that wait..lol!

HOWEVER…

I believe everyone will be excited to hear that the ProFeather Rulers have arrived! If you’re out of the loop and haven’t heard about them, you better get in the loop by checking them out !!!

ProFeather™ Ruler Pre-Orders Start NOW!

Preorders are being taken now!

 

Just hang in there with me; those beautiful pieces of clear plastic will be in my hot little hands within 2 weeks!  Remember my last post containing  the video of hopelessness? If not, go back and watch.  If you did watched that little excerpt, and giggled, and moreover connected with my message then you really need to witness the ProFeather ruler in action.  I’ll admit, perhaps my acting wasn’t quite convincing enough to have you believe that this tool would be incredibly helpful.  BUT I am quite confident that the video below will demonstrate how unbelievably useful this instrument could be in producing feathers freehand!

Now that you have viewed my tutorial aren’t you super excited about getting your hands on one of cute little rulers? Yes,  FINALLY this product ready to launch! How about we let a flock of feather’s fly among your fabric!

Preorders are being taken now!

Happy April everyone! Orders will ship the week of the April 23rd!!

Folks We Are SOO Close!

 

Does the following little video have you glancing in the mirror saying, “Oh my god! That’s me!”  If so, then you’ll be happy to know I have a solution!

 

Yes, step by step, things are really starting to move forward in my little studio, here in Pennsylvania.  Even during the process of preparing for shows, lectures, etc. I have remained focused on producing the ProFeather™ ruler AND the Perfect Plumes Class.  No doubt it’s a lot to juggle, but I’m so excited that I’m putting the finishing touches on my newest ruler and class that I can’t set it aside now! Heck no! So be on the look out, they are coming your way very soon!!!

 

Snow and Slow to Lancaster 2018 We Go!

 

 

I’m still looking for February; and searching high and low for March!

I spent the better portion of last week at the AQS Lancaster Quiltweek.  My trip began with a lovely spring blizzard which kindly dropped 12″ of snow on surrounding roads.  Moreover,  it’s timing couldn’t have been better…not.   Those beautiful, white, flakes began falling from the sky above on the day I was scheduled to leave.  But I pulled my big girl snow pants up, as high as they would go, and prayed that my 4 wheel drive SUV was up to challenge of  transporting this quilter to Lancaster.

You will note that the speedometer above shows the average speed at which I drove.  Slowly, but surely, moving at a snail’s pace of 20 mph, I inched my way towards my destination.

I MADE IT TO LANCASTER!

The workmanship and creativity in the quilts I encountered were spectacular.  I had to share one of my favorites below.  Karen Kay Buckley and Renae Haddadin make an amazing team as you can clearly see by what they created.

I was so proud and ecstatic that my BFF, Barbara Persing, piece won 1st place!  AQS allowed me to conduct her winner’s interview.  Doesn’t get better than that, for me at least! LOL

My time in Lancaster had me taking in the sites of many gorgeous quilts, and teaching classes.  What more could I have asked for? Well, how about spending time with friends from near and far? Ah yes, that was the icing on the cake! So that grueling, 20 mph, crawl to the AQS Lancaster Quiltweek was more than worth it!