Do you remember when the tea room at the St. Jacobs Schoolhouse was decorated with many interesting china teapots,  a stained glass tea pot with a light and interesting tea cups ...and only Red Rose Tea was served? Dorothy Snider was the hostess in the tea room for many years. Guests raved about the wonderful tea and delightful squares. Dorothy was a member of The St. Jacob Quilt Shows Board and contributed many great ideas and stories. Sadly, this morning  her obit appeared in the Record.

Christmas Cake

What a surprise! I opened a big white box with a bright yellow bow and card on it. To my surprise...there was Christmas cake lying on a bed. The quilt was made with red and green square blocks. The marshallowy pillows had little red and green decorations. Now I have my cake and I can eat it too! Unique gift ...and I love it.
Eleanor

Jacquie Gering

Jacquie Gering , author of' Quilting Modern' is coming to London, April 10 and 11th to present a lecture and a workshop. Her quilting was inspired by the quilters of Gees Bend. This is a great opportunity to learn about MODERN Quilts. Check the website for more information  www.hyggeligt.ca

Rolo Pretzel Delights

Rolo Pretzel Delights are the favourite cookies served at the St. Jacobs Schoolhouse Theatre during the annual quilt shows held in May. Today a mouth watering photo plus the recipe appeared on Page D8 in the Record. These delightful little morsels will please your family during the holiday season!

Celebrating 25 Years!

Congratulations!The Creative Sisters Quilt Studio in Kitchener is celebrating 25 years!Way to go Brenda and Linda! The presentation for the gift is beautiful..and the challenge to make a block for the Victoria Quilts is a great idea! Celebrate ladies!!!

Tapestry/Centre in Square

Framed pieces of tapestry each letter of the alphabet have been placed in the hall at The Centre in the Square. Enjoy my examples...visit the exhibit.

Exciting News! Chantal Guillermet, a friend of Marian Martin's is coming to the St. Jacobs Quilt Shows during the week of the Quilt Festival in May. She is a textile artist from the French Alps. Chantal is a contemporary quilt artist specializing in hand printing and dying techniques.Her quilts are inspired by nature, landscapes and photos taken on trips. She will be teaching courses at St. Jacobs Mennonite Church as well as Pix's Studio. I have signed up! Check out her web site www.Chantal Guillermet.

Leslie's Retirement

Tuesday, October 29th the staff at Reichard's surprised Leslie with a little retirement party. This store offered more than fabric. Through Leslie's leadership it provided courses, new trends in quilting and an opportunity to make lasting friendships. The store will close November 30th.

It is time to display Hallowe'en quilts. 312 Vintage 'Trick or Treat' by Crabapple Hill

is a happy, spooky quilt!' The pumpkin faces are delightful. the fringe on the edge and the use of rick rack makes this quilt unique.

Redwork at the Schoolhouse

Martha Wiens is the 2014 guest artist at the schoolhouse. She is queen of appliqué......and has unbelievable examples. Look for  a Hallowe'en piece ...what patience and great use of colour. Martha comes from Leamington. Sign up for one of Martha's classes to be held at The St. Jacob's Mennonite Church.

Textile Artist

Tracey Lawko is coming to the Village Silos in St. Jacobs the week of the annual quilt festival in May. View her website to take a peek at her beautiful scenes. The round straw bales are exceptional..very countryish!!!
The car quilt always receives rave reviews......it is a head turner!!! Can you identify one quilt pattern?

Mark your Calendar

Time to mark your 2014 calendar. The Quilt and Fibre Art Festival/Waterloo Region and Beyond will be held May 27 to 31st. The St. Jacobs Quilt Board is almost ready to print the brochure. Watch my blog for updates regarding guests, speakers and new events.

Yesterday I attended the 2013 Waterloo Guild Quilt Show at the old Rim Park building. I was impressed by the number of Dwaynne Wanner influenced quilts. It is a treat to find quilters leaving the box to create. Dwaynne would be thrilled with your works of art. This show was a treat....I loved the creative, original quilts..and admired the new patterns

.The number of vendors was also impressive.

The outside of the IPM quilt tent was beautifully landscaped. Lisa Taylor's quilt won my prize for the happiest quilt at the show. It had colour, movement, creativity and interesting use of fabrics.

Received the announcement last week that Reichard's Store in St. Jacobs will be closing this autumn. Lesley has always supported the St. Jacobs Quilt Shows..and will be missed. The store had special displays as well as a few bargains during the week.Happy retirement, Lesley!

Isn't this pumpkin fabric delightful! Time to think about a use for it ......

Time to start collecting interesting quilt patterns to do later this fall and winter. At the IPM, I purchased ,'Round and Round' a Thimble Blossom pattern by Camille Roskelley. The new line of ,'Cantik' fabric should be perfect . Looking forward to getting started on my new project.

..a break from quilting...my roses are
flourishing...enjoy!!

Wendy Lamb standing proudly in front of her aunt, Grace Drummond's quilt.

Grace Drummond designed and created a quilt reflecting many aspects of Perth County. The quilt is enhanced by the variety and texture of many fabrics. At the IPM it was a show piece. In the photo, Wendy Lamb, her niece admires it.

When was the last time you saw a pastel yellow quilt? Chocolate Dipped made by Liz McNally from Stratford was chosen by our car pool for the Viewer's Choice at the 2013 IPM show in Mitchell. The background was appropriate for the hand quilting. Lesley Chaisson designed this pattern.

...and the crowds came to the Mitchell Arena to view the 200 quilts on display in honour of the 2013 IPM to be held in September. The committee did an outstanding job displaying all the quilts. The quilt block challenge was well received..and several quilts and pillows were made. Pie served at the food booth received rave reviews..and a few people visited the cafe to purchase pies to take home.

Perth County IPM will be held near Mitchell in September. The 100 Years of Quilting Quilt Show will be held at the Mitchell Community Centre, Friday August 9-10:00 am to 6 pm and Saturday August 11 10:00 am to 4:00 pm.Tickets $7:00 at the door. This year there will be an antique section featuring quilts made by Grace Drummond, Rena Tuer, Ida Ballantyne and more local quilters.

Day Three Quilt Show

 The village welcomes visitors with the little quilts hung on flower boxes, window sills and posts....it presents a warm inviting feeling. Visitors love looking at the quilts..and many positive comments are floating about. Tomorrow is the Trunk Show as well as the opening of The Merchant's Mall. Invite a friend..and visit St. Jacobs or other venues mentioned on the website.

The annual volunteer tea was a night filled with fun, laughter, great jokes and awesome tea. Pix Martin wowed the audience with her love of quilting and beautiful examples. Lynn Wolf informed and invited the audience to attend many events. Susan and her kitchen staff poured many cups of tea and plates of colourful treats. See you in St. Jacobs..take time to rest on the rock.

What a difference a day makes....

What a difference a day makes...from an empty slate to a venue full of amazing quilts. Volunteers worked diligently yesterday morning to hang the quilts. Marsha Clarke and her team  created an amazing array of colour in the entrance way.  Susan Parker lugged boxes....the tea tables are adorable with a huge array of artifacts. Last night a fairy performed miracles with her interior decorating skills. Tonight we are ready to officially open the 2013 St. Jacobs Quilt Shows with the Volunteer Tea.
Please come..and enjoy!!

Grandmother's Flower Garden

Stories for the St. Jacobs Quilt Shows are arriving daily. Last night I received Myrtle Renshaw's photo and story. I can hardly wait to see her beautiful appliqued quilt. This wonderful quilter is in her 90's...what an inspiration.

What surprises will I find in my mailbox today!!!

Tea Time

The strawberries are ready! Tea Time in the basement of the St. Jacobs Schoolhouse is always special. There is an opportunity to wear a hat, enjoy a delicious cup of tea and some decadent treats with friends or family members. What fun!

Mount Forest Spring Quilt Show

Yesterday I attended the Mount Forest Quilt Show held at the new Sportsplex. The committee did a wonderful job displaying the quilts in the arena. Colour, choice of pattern, sewing techniques and variety of materials used in the quilts added to the delight. The Merchant's Mall was buzzing with shoppers. The tea tables were decorated with containers of pansies. The atmosphere created by members of the guild was warm and inviting. Congratulations.

Boutique Items

Ladies at The St. Jacobs Mennonite Church have been creating beautiful articles for sale at,' The Boutique' for the week of The St. Jacobs Quilt Festival. New items include- a quilted soup bowl warmer and brooches made from old bobbins. The selection of baby afghans, baby quilts, comforters and knitted dish cloths is delightful. Take your shopping list...and enjoy all the creative talent.

Quilt Stories

Time to start writing the story for your quilt. Tell us everything!!! Visitors love to read interesting stories that challenge, take quilters for an adventure or delve into a stash of fabric that has been hiding in the closet for a long time.  New pattern information is a bonus.Stories are welcome TODAY! Forward to mepet@sympatico.ca

Merchant's Mall

Do you need new scissors, a triangle ruler, fabric or a sewing machine? The Merchant's Mall is the place .....offering shoppers an opportunity to compare merchandise, talk to a friendly vendor and enjoy free parking. Save your money... Shop until you drop Thursday May 23 ( 10-7) and Friday May 24
 (10-5) at The Woolwich Township Community Centre, 29 Parkside Dr., St. Jacobs.

Quilt Classes 2013

Pix has created a delightful list of quilt classes to be offered at the St. Jacobs Mennonite Church the week of the Quilt Festival. For a complete schedule email  epixfashion@gmail.com      This photo showcases Judy Gascho-Jutzi course- learning to create trees.

Members of The St. Jacobs Quilt Shows Board met April 4th to finalize plans for the upcoming events to be held

in May. Pix reported that several people have signed up for the bus trip as well as the courses offered at the Mennonite Church. Lorene was pleased to join us after a delightful winter spent in Florida. Volunteers have been phoning Susan and Wendy...really eager to sign up. Look for an interesting display case at The Mill featuring Quilt Show items. Elsa has sold tickets to a tour group for the quilt show. Things are gearing up!!!

Pix, our cheerleader has created an amazing quilt design for the blocks submitted for,' The Quilt Block Challenge 2013.' Lynn and Pix were delighted with the number of votes cast while the individual blocks were on display at The Mill. Winners were selected...but it is a secret until Monday, May 20th. Pix has received many phone calls regarding the bus trip and courses offered. Don't be disappointed..phone today!!!

Children at The St. Jacobs -After-School Daycare Program are busy making a quilt to be hung in the Schoolhouse during the Quilt Festival. Children's hands cut from fabric will be used to design a tree. The children's visit to the tearoom is a highlight as they excitedly admire their quilt, followed by a cup of tea and treats. Their teacher is to be commended for her efforts in introducing the children to quilting.

Just Judy

   

You will never believe a Judy mannequin, dressed in a tutu excited me at The World's Figure Skating event in London. Why? Each year Lynn, our interior designer keeps members of the Board in suspense! We never know what Judy will be wearing at the quilt show...  one year she wore a beautiful dress of log cabin blocks and last year she was in formal attire. 'Judy,' gets dressed during the wee hours of the morning... it is the first thing I check out! Any guesses what Judy will be wearing this year!!!

Jax Rula's amazing collection of dolls is coming to The Mill, May 21-25. Each doll is unique- offering the viewer an opportunity to appreciate the workmanship, develop a personality sketch and choose a favourite. Check out the website- www.circleworks.net

This photo taken by Lynn captures the beauty of a few of the 2013 Quilt Block Challenge Blocks. The sheet hanging on the wall is impressive. Pix is going to have fun designing this colourful quilt.

Please write the number of your favourite block on the Viewer's Choice ballet. If you wish leave a comment. The winners will be announced at Volunteer Night, Monday May 20th.

Over 40 stunning quilt blocks arrived for the 2013 Quilt Block Challenge. The blocks are hanging on the first floor of,'The Mill,' waiting to be judged. Take all your friends...have fun voting!

My favourite place to sit for ten minutes during Quilt Festival Week is hiding under this snowbank. It is so much fun to view life in St. Jacobs...enjoy the sights, listen to the activity and visit with pedestrians. I always feel re-energized. Plan to take a few minutes and try it.

I love making kaleidoscopes. Based on the fabrics, the strip quilting, the pattern pieces and the wedgies, there is so much diversity. Ricky Tims' book, 'Kool Kaleidoscope Quilts' available at Reichard's in St. Jacobs is an excellent pattern. If you are bored with winter, make a kaleidoscope!

Awesome! The quilt blocks are arriving daily. What a wonderful group of talented sewers!

The quilt for the annual Mennonite Relief Sale will be a winner! Be sure to vote at the Mill the week of March 10th.

Look what I found!! An old treasure...not quite finished.The UFO's have been renamed Treasures. In The Tea Room smocked items will be featured. Check in with Lynn- www.lynnwolf@telus.blackberry.net if you have treasures to share.

Diane Carson will share her trunk full of beautiful quilts, Thursday May 23 at 2:30 and 7:30 at St. James Lutheran Church in St. Jacobs. Take a peek at the quilt highlighted in the photo. You have to see it to appreciate the exceptional quilting.This award winning quilt has an interesting name. Can't wait to hear Diane's story..bet it will be a little thready!!!!

A NEW event has been added to the Quilt and Fibre Art Festival/Waterloo Region and Beyond! A Mystery Bus Tour under the expertise of Loretta Martin will travel through the rich farm land of Waterloo County and visit  homes of Mennonite Quilters. Passengers will have an opportunity to learn about the rich heritage of quilting, enjoy a wonderful meal in a ( mystery restaurant) and travel on a luxurious Kunkle bus. Tickets are selling fast....so phone Pix 519-664-9956 or e-mail epixfashion@gmail.com to experience an opportunity of a lifetime!!

The St. Jacobs Quilt Shows QUILT BLOCK CHALLENGE 2013 KIT is available at local quilt shops. The fee of $2.00 will include all the fabrics. This is an opportunity to create. All the blocks will be sewn together to produce a quilt for The Annual Mennonite Relief Sale. The due date is Saturday, March 2. Your 'February Blahs' will vanish with these perky little Magic Jelly Roll strips!! Get one today!!

The Exeter Heritage Quilt Show will be held April 12 and 13, 2013 at Trivitt Memorial Anglican Church. This event will feature Gerald and Marlene Fagan's collection of antique quilts as well as many other treasures from the past. At the 2011 show I was thrilled to view the 1937 Coronation Quilt. Mark the date.

Quilt & Fibre Art Festival

Join us for the Quilt & Fibre Art Festival Waterloo Region and Beyond on 21-25 May 2013.  For full details go to the website at www.stjacobs.com.