Sunday 24 November 2013

Winner! Winner!

It's time for the winner from the Blogathon Canada giveaway! Before I get to it though I would like to say a big thank you to Sew Sisters and all of the hosts for an amazing time! What a fabulous week! I have met a lot of new friends and discovered some amazing quilters across this great Country.

 Now to the good stuff... the winner of the Kona Solids bundle is

#79 - Mrs Pickles!!!
I will be in touch for your contact information.

Thank you to everyone for playing. Hope to see you dropping by again soon!
Adrienne


Thursday 21 November 2013

Going in Circles: A Tutorial on Quilting Circles with your Walking Foot

I have a  confession. I am afraid of Free Motion Quilting. If you are a regular visitor to my bog this is not such a secret, and you will know that I am always tying to find ways around it. While straight lines are my best friend, I do try to branch out. This past weekend I experimented  with sewing circles using my walking foot. I thought it might be nice to put together a little tutorial on what I learned

 

Quilting Circles With a Walking Foot

You will need:
  • A round shape to trace (I am using bowls)
  • A marking tool of your choice (I am using a Frixion Pen)
  • Walking foot
  • Scissors, thread, iron...the regular stuff

Step 1
Prepare your project. In this example I am Quilting As You Go some on Patchwork Wheel Blocks. I am addicted to QYAG and have done a little tutorial on that which you can find here and here. Quilting circles is a great option for QYAG since you have to be able to move your block around continuously. So small projects are good!

Step 2

Chose a round household item to suit the size of circles that you want. I really wanted to emphasize the wheel in the blocks, so chose to do radiating circles. I was looking around the house and spied these bowls:

These were perfect, not too small (smaller circles can be harder to manoeuvre around) and they radiated out perfectly. You could use dinner plates, pie plates, jar tops, whatever suits you! No need to buy fancy rulers for this project :)  

Step 3
Use your tracing tool to trace the circles on to your block. Now, this is the exciting part. I have recently discovered the Pilot Frixion Pen. I don't think these pens were originally designed for fabrics. They are an erasable pen, and when you run your iron over the ink on your fabric, the heat makes it disappear
Step 4 
Next, to the machine you go. Fit your machine with your walking foot, and thread of your choice. Start stitching, following the curve of your traced lines. In this type of work, slow and steady wins the race. The slower you go, the more control you will have as you work your way around.  

note to self - next time dust walking foot before close up photo shoot

Step 5 
With all of your circles done, head to the ironing board. Simply iron over the stitched lines and the Frixion Pen lines disappear! (I have no stocks in Black & Decker by the way) 


ummmm, right. This is a great close up of my overshoot as I tried to join my circle ends. So lesson learned there, GO SLOW and your ends will join better than mine :) I did get better over time.

Step 6 
Enjoy your handiwork! You now have a block with quilted circles! I can't wait to put all of my blocks together. I think the effect is going to be great.



I hope you enjoyed this little lesson. I am off to finish my circles on the rest of the blocks!
Adrienne

Linking up this week

Tuesday 19 November 2013

Welcome to Blogathon Canada!

Oh I am so excited that you are here! I was stoked when Sew Sisters contacted me to be a host on this year's Blogathon Canada. What an opportunity to hop around and meet amazing Canadian Quilters.  Marjorie from Marjorie's Busy Corner and I are representing the Maritimes today on the hop.
 
 
http://sewsisters.blogspot.ca/p/blogathon-canada-2013.html

Without further ado, Hi! My name is Adrienne and I would like to welcome you to Chezzetcook Modern Quilts. Chezzetcook what you say? I know, it is a funny name, and likely you are not sure how to pronounce it. Chezzetcook is a small community on the Eastern Shore of Nova Scotia, where I grew up. If you are a local, you drop the "t", add an "n" and say it fast - Chezzencook. Go on, give it a try...

I have been quilting for about 17 years, and blogging about my quilty adventures for nearly 2. I have an addiction to fabric, and quilting is the way that I cope with it. Stitching that cotton goodness into modern designs, taking it's picture and then writing about it. True Happiness!
 
The year so far has been a big one for me. I started organising two virtual quilt bees; ModQImprovB Canada and Global Scrap Bee. The first is helping me conquer my fear of improv, and the other links me with quilters from all over the world. Fun Stuff! Oh and I started this little thing called The Library Project. Basically a commitment to actually make something out of all of those quilting books that I buy :)
 
 
The next big thing on the agenda, and the one I am most atwitter about - I am staring a chapter of The Modern Quilt Guild here in the Maritimes. Our first meeting is scheduled for November 27th. I cannot wait to connect with other like minded quilters in our region.
 
http://maritimemqg.blogspot.ca/
 
So, lots of exciting stuff in the works around here. But here's the thing. At the end of the day, regardless of bees, projects, guilds, I still just like to quilt! After the day job, I crave to sit at the sewing machine and stitch up that fabric I cut a minute ago. So, I think the best way to get to know me is by having a looksie at some of my finished quilts!
 
"Frames" is my most recent finish, and is made up of Blocks from my Bee Mates at ModQImprovB Canada
 
This is "Bliangles" So named, because, well, let's just say, those triangle tips may be a tad blunt in spots.
 
"Beach Cabins" was a commissioned quilt that I made this summer. It lives in Ottawa now, but my client wanted a beachy feel and I think I nailed it :)
 
"Stamps for Melanie" was also a commission, in fact I am about to make my third stamps quilt. But I am not tired of it yet with all of those delicious fabrics!
 
Everyone likes a Baby quilt right?! "Baby Bella" is now spending quilty time with Baby Elizabeth.
 
"Foreign Currency" is likely my favourite finish this year. It lives on my couch every day and I never tire of it's simple boldness (nor do my kitty cats) 
Besides introducing myself, the other part of my hosting job today  is to introduce you to other Maritime Quilters. I have had a blast looking for other bloggers in my back yard. I think if you take the time to visit, you will find yourself seriously inspired! Here they are...

 
Now, what you have all been waiting for, the PRIZES!

PRIZE ONE
From me to you, I have picked this gorgeous bundle of Kona Brights. Just leave a comment on this blog post and these 10 Fat Quarters could be yours. I will make a random draw from all of the comments on November 24th. Remember, if you are a no reply blogger, leave me your e-mail. If I cannot reach the first pick, I will randomly draw again.

PRIZE TWO
Sew Sisters is also offering a prize during Blogathon Week. Hop back to their blog for a chance to win and delicious prize sponsored by Northcott
http://www.northcott.net/

THERE'S MORE!
That is two chances to win, but it doesn't stop there! Every Host on Blogathon Canada is giving away their own prize, so make sure to visit them all for more chances to win great stuff from Sew Sisters! Here is the schedule. Have Fun!



Monday, November 18
BC
Holly
Monday, November 18
BC
Heather
Tuesday, November 19
Maritimes
Adrienne
Tuesday, November 19
Maritimes
Marjorie
Wednesday, November 20
AB
Katherine
Wednesday, November 20
AB
Andrea
Thursday, November 21
SK
Flo
Thursday, November 21
MB
Kathy
Friday, November 22
QC
Izzy
Friday, November 22
Territories
Danielle
Saturday, November 23
ON
Jackie
Saturday, November 23
ON
Krista


Wow! We have done a lot today! It has been great to have you visit my little quilty blog. I hope you come back for a visit from time to time :)
Adrienne

Sunday 17 November 2013

Blogathon Canada Countdown Begins

Blogathon Canada starts tomorrow!

http://sewsisters.blogspot.ca/p/blogathon-canada-2013.html
 
Is your mouse primed? Get ready to start you blog hop engines...there are prizes to be had people!

Monday, November 18
BC
Holly
Monday, November 18
BC
Heather
Tuesday, November 19
Maritimes
Adrienne
Tuesday, November 19
Maritimes
Marjorie
Wednesday, November 20
AB
Katherine
Wednesday, November 20
AB
Andrea
Thursday, November 21
SK
Flo
Thursday, November 21
MB
Kathy
Friday, November 22
QC
Izzy
Friday, November 22
Territories
Danielle
Saturday, November 23
ON
Jackie
Saturday, November 23
ON
Krista

Have fun out there!
Adrienne

Friday 15 November 2013

It's coming...

Blogathon Canada starts on Monday! So excited! I just got the picture of my giveaway item, you had better come back and see what's what...


Oh and, a little shameless salesmanship...

Looking for a handmade Christmas Gift that will keep that special someone warm and cozy? These two quilts are going to be stitched and ready for delivery by December 10th at the latest. Made with 100% cotton fabric and batting, they will be approximately 70" square, a perfect throw size for couch cuddling. I have attached a detailed picture of the print fabrics, lots of delicious colors in there. $200 each for a piece of handmade goodness. Contact me soon before they are gone!


Phew, that's over with! Now, I must go sort out the studio. Stitch and Bitch with Jennifer from A Quarter Inch From the Edge tomorrow. Do you have any quilty plans this weekend?
Adrienne 


Monday 11 November 2013

The Easy Road

Ever have one of those days where you should be working on the three UFOs hanging in your closet, mending for a client, or any one of the projects from your own Library Project, but instead you pull a fresh bundle of fabric from your stash and start something new and completely unplanned?
Said bundle. Nordika Goodness.


Well, today was that day for me. I just could not get excited about anything that needed to get done. In fact I had a hard time getting excited about doing anything involving the sewing machine. I knew I had to do something. It's like that party. The party that you drag your ass to get to, that turned out to be one of the best nights of your life. 

I knew if I made an impromptu plan that involved cutting into a sweet bundle of cotton that I would have a great day. So I hit my Pinterest Quilting board, and picked one of the many beauties that I have been pinning, saying "I am going to make that some day".

http://www.incolororder.com/2011/08/giant-vintage-star-quilt-tutorial.html

Knowing that I needed something that could give me some instant gratification (something quick and dare I say it - easy), and also showcased the fabric, I chose the Giant Star Tutorial from Jeni Baker at In Color Order. Right now you are thinking, you pick pattern and fabric from the same designer, are you sucking up? I can honestly say that I did not make the connection until I was halfway through the top. I guess it was just meant to be.
My apologies for the Instagram pics, but we are into the dark days of winter my friend. You may see natural light pictures again sometime in April :(

Jeni's tutorial was great and in no time at all I had this beauty up on the design wall. I even finished the top shortly after this pic! If I am not mistaken the grey for the background is Kona Steel (note to self, must start labelling Kona when I bring it into the house).


This was a great pattern for Fat Quarters and you actually end up with enough HSTs cut for two tops. I think on the next one I will use a lighter background just to shake things up!

I am feeling more inspired to get back to work on my other projects now. Except now I have created another UFO..oops! It took a a quick and easy project to get me going, and darn it I had fun doing it! 

So what have I learned today? Despite all of the things that your parents told you, sometimes taking the easy road is the best choice.Any lessons learned in your studio today?
Adrienne

Linking up this week

Wednesday 6 November 2013

Maritime Modern Quilt Guild

What's that you say? A chapter of The Modern Quilt Guild in Maritime Canada?


That's right people - I am doing it! The Maritime Modern Quilt Guild is about to make it's debut. I cannot even tell you how excited I am about this. I have been thinking about stating a chapter of the Modern Quilt Guild in Eastern Canada for a few years now. There are a lot of Modern Quilt Guilds across the country, but up until now, the farthest one East is in Montreal. Too darn far away for us Atlantic ocean people.

The Maritime Modern Quilt Guild will  encompass the Maritime Provinces; Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, and Prince Edward Island and will be based physically out of Halifax, Nova Scotia. Because we will cover such a large geographic area we will likely have face-to-face  and on-line meeting options. Details to be worked out! 

First steps is to gather interest and have some start up meetings. Check out the Maritime Modern Quilt Guild Page for details.  

So if you are a modern quilter in the Maritimes and want to get your modern quilt on (or know someone who might like to), contact me here with a comment or via the guild e-mail 


So EXCITED!
Adrienne

Almost Wordless Wednesday

This past weekend I met one of my Global Scrap Bee Mates Leigh Anne from Ella's Cottage. How great is it to meet on-line quilty friends in person! Our meet also meant a pick up of fabric from Leigh Anne's Esty Shop. YUMEEE! What do you think I should make with it?

(ok, so this is maybe more words than is good for a "Wordless Wednesday", but you know I find it hard to be quiet)
Adrienne