Sparkle in St Jacobs

Christmas starts in St. Jacobs today. Enjoy 'Sparkle,'  and get in the mood to celebrate. Quilt Essentials will be open tonight. This is a great opportunity to pick up information about the St. Jacobs Quilt Block Challenge and a little fabric.

Roadtrip

Yesterday a few members of The St. Jacobs Quilt Shows Board took a road trip to the Mount Forest area. The visit to Creekbank Sewing Machine Store near Conn was a highlight. The embroidery machine was mind boggling. To our surprise, Sharon Fisher,  2016 Trunk Show guest was teaching a course. "The House Quilt,' featuring 2400 crystals was a work of art.  After a little shopping in Mount Forest, a delicious lunch was enjoyed at 'Pebbles,'  Varney.

Quilt Xtravaganza

Quilt Xtravaganza was held at the Pyramid Recreation Centre in St. Marys, September 18 &19th. Refreshing! What an exciting new concept! Everything looked fresh and exciting. 'Wireless,' a pattern designed by guest Johanna Masko was chosen for the vendor's challenge. For me, this was a highlight...each quilt reflected the personality of the maker. The machine quilting was over the top in each one.
The photo shows the logo in the entrance hall..again the machine quilting was eye-catching. The second photo shows eager guest lining up prior to 10:00 am. Congrats Chantelle and Michelle!

St. Jacobs Board Parties

Members of the St. Jacobs Quilt Board held the 'kick-off' party for 2016 at Pix Martin's. Everyone enjoyed Pix's amazing yard, delicious food and outdoor heater. It was such a beautiful evening, we all wanted to stay and have another coffee.

Burnstown

Thursday, September 10, I shared my trunk show with members and friends of,' The Burnstown Women's Institute'. This delightful group of ladies was very receptive and seemed to love the colour, shape and modern approach to quilting. The quilt in the photo was a first attempt for many members to paper piece.This quilt hangs in the hall of the Burnstown United Church, a congregation with 15 members.

Quilt Xtravaganza

Quilt Xtravaganza   Shop    Learn   Connect  will be held September 18 &19, 2015
10:00 AM-4PM  at  the Pyramid Recreation Centre, 317 James Street South St. Marys. There will be a Merchant Mall, demonstrations, lectures and a Quilt showcase. Admission is $7.00. Check out QuiltX.ca.
This new concept sounds exciting. Save the dates!!

Waterloo County Quilters' Exhibit

The Waterloo County Quilters' Guild Exhibit will be held at Forbes Family Hall at RIM Park Manulife Financial Sportsplex, 2001 University Avenue E., Waterloo, October 16 and 17 2015. Admission is $7.00. Plan to attend.

Yarn Bombed in Listowel

What a treat to drive down Listowel's Main Street and enjoy the creative display of knitted items! If you are yarn lover, this is a great week to visit Spinrite Tent Sale!!!

Listowel Agricultural Fair

This year Listowel Fair Home Craft Division received a high number of entries. The quilts were absolutely beautiful. Perhaps the prize money $8.00 for 1st, $6.00 for 2nd and $4.00 for 3rd prize encouraged participation. Ladies from as far away as Cambridge, Elora and Teviotdale entered the contest...exhibited exceptional skill. Unfortunately I forgot my camera....enjoy the  eight entries in the six horse hitch competition. Wow!

Garden Art

July 12th, I attended the Kincardine Horticultural Garden Tour. At one home I was impressed with the , 'Garden Art,' created by the home owner. What a treat to view so many original pieces...many times  secretly hidden among the plants. Enjoy!

Happy Canada Day!

Happy Canada Day!This year the Canadian Flag celebrates 50 years. Joan O' Malley: Canada's flag lady from Ottawa sewed the first three prototypes. Lester B. Pearson chose the single, stylized maple leaf on a white background because it is easily recognizable. The eleven pointed maple leaf is quite showy in the wind.
'The Canadian Flag Waver' song composed by Stephen Bergen pays tribute to Canada's history..and is very catchy!
To commemorate the 50th anniversary, a fabric stamp of the Canadian flag was printed.

Sew Apalooza at Creekbank!

On Friday I took an incredible sewing course at Creekbank. A Bernina representative was the class instructor..energetic, funny and exhibited an amazing talent for sewing. Check out one of the fun activities!!!

Done!

The 20th Anniversary is over! The St. Jacobs Quilt Board wish to thank-
. the many volunteers who worked countless hours to make it a success
 .the merchants of St. Jacobs who donated beautiful door prizes for draws
 .members of the Waterloo Guild who, 'saved the day' and donated sheets
 . Pastor Martin for his continued support and enthusiasm
.the maintenance personnel from Mercedes Corp for assisting
. the visitors for conveying many special comments
. the News Team for excellent coverage
.special guests for contributing to the shows
and Jean Carberry for 'Saving the Event!'
THANKS!

Sleeping Around...

Good news! The old tote containing the sheets for hanging quilts was found today.The sheets have been sleeping at Dunfield Theatre in Cambridge all winter...and soooon will be returning to the Schoolhouse Theatre. the 20th Anniversary is ending on a better foot than it started.

The St. Jacobs Quilt Gallery

Kathy Langill has a beautiful display of quilts in the St. Jacobs Quilt Gallery.Take a peek!

Hot Stuff

The St. Jacobs Quilt and Fibre Art Show is going well! Elizabeth deBoer wowed us with her beautiful collection of quilts at the annual Trunk Show. The ladies from St. James Lutheran are receiving rave reviews for their beautiful lunch..especially the sandwiches. Judy Pearce, the guest artist has a delightful show...strong evidence of a portrait sketcher. The car quilt is the most popular item to photograph. The merchant's mall offers a wonderful collection of quilting supplies.
Visit it us today.

Wool Felting Course

What fun! Several ladies enjoyed a course taught by Sue Firkser called wool felting. Beautiful vessels, bags

and vases were created.

2015 Festival Launched!

The 20th Anniversary was launched last night at the volunteer tea. Many volunteers enjoyed the Quilter's Nine Patch Trunk Show hosted by Judy Martin and her daughter Corinne, the opportunity to visit all the venues and especially the tea and treats. Busy day!

Welcome visitors!

Wind Taken Out of Sails

Sunday morning, May 24th I arrived at the Schoolhouse Theatre to find our two key players totally dejected!! Usually this is a very upbeat, exciting time- the launch of a new quilt festival.The old blue tote containing all the sheets, pins and push tacks had disappeared. All the storage areas in the village had been searched....not a trace! The poles were up in place, the quilts were neatly folded on chairs, the volunteer helpers were arriving! What to do!
Fortunately Jean Carberry, a member of the Waterloo County Quilter's Guild arrived. A quick ( desperate) phone call, a return trip to Waterloo with several totes of white sheets, the first quilt was hung by 11:00. This might be called a 'power work-out!
During our delicious lunch break, the tension was starting to lift....smiles and laughter started to dominate.
Overnight, Lynn preformed her magic...and tonight the Volunteer Tea will launch the 20th Anniversary.
Keep posted. I will let you know who has been hiding under all those white sheets.

Sneak Preview

Yesterday I had a sneak peak at the back of one of Elizabeth deBoer's quilts sitting on Pix Martin's big worktable.The machine quilting was labour intensive....and a little corner flip over revealed some beautiful colours. I can hardly wait to see this piece designed by Elizabeth at, 'The Trunk Show' to be held May 28th at St. James Lutheran Church 2:30 or 7:30. Please...come and enjoy. Admission $5.00.

Patio Dinner & Trunk Show

Pix Martin is hosting a Patio Dinner Party Thursday May 28th between 5 and 7 pm. Enjoy a beautiful meal prepared by chef Pix  in her beautiful garden setting and then attend the Trunk Show at St. James Lutheran Church commencing at 7:30. For information and tickets - e-mail epixfashion@gmail.com  What more could a gal ask for....

Elmira Independent

Editor, Gail Martin wrote an article in the Elmira Independent, May 8th edition featuring, 'Felting.' Elsa Elliott is showcased holding a few felt items sold in her store. Sue Firkser, Guest Artist at the Mill will teach a felting course at St. Jacobs Mennonite Church.This article provides an excellent overview of the festival events.

Fabric Stamp

To commemorate the 50th Anniversary of the Canadian Flag a fabric stamp has been produced. This stamp is available at a local Post office. As well regular stamps may be purchased to celebrate 50 years.

Tickets available

The Mystery Bus Trip is looking  for passengers. Two years ago I enjoyed the first mystery tour. The highlight was visiting Mennonite homes. In one home we enjoyed a quilt turning..saw about thirty quilts ..and unbelievable quilting. The basement of another home was set up as a quilt shop featuring clothing and fabric. It was exciting to visit an original home in Hawkesville and watch a quilt being marked. Remember this is lilac time of the year...and some back roads are breath taking. Phone Salome...you won't be disappointed  519-664-2060.
Tickets for the Trunk Show  at St. James Lutheran Church are also available. Don't miss the opportunity to see Elizabeth's collection.Imagine making a quilt to represent a film, a map of Woolwich Township and more. Mark your calendar Thursday, May 28th at 2:30 and 7:30.

Trees

Woolwich Healthy Communities has completed a block challenge quilt featuring trees. This theme represents Woolwich Townships  ongoing effort to plant trees annually and emphasize,'Clean Waterways. ' Silent Auction bids will be accepted until May 28th. The winner will be announced at the Quilt and Fibre Art Festival's annual Trunk Show held at St. James Lutheran Church, St. Jacobs May 28th at the 7:30 show. Visitors welcome!!

Lieutenant Governor for Ontario, Elizabeth Dowdeswelll

Elizabeth Dowdeswell, Lieutenant Governor will officially open the St. Jacobs Quilts Shows at the St. Jacobs Mennonite Church, Tuesday, May 26 at 1:30. There will  be opportunities to learn about 'the flag wavers', hear a children's choir sing and celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Canadian Flag. Come celebrate!!

Ricky Tims

Just home from the Ricky Tims Quilt event in Mount Forest. Delightful day!! The seminars were very educational, the food was delicious and plentiful all day long, the store sold Ricky's fabric, Bernina Sewing machines and more. Ricky's stories were ongoing and funny. He shared many new ideas,

techniques and trends.The musical concert oozed with Ricky's creative ability. My head is exploding with new ideas. I loved  to be challenged...and ...I am! Enjoy this quilt!!

Mount Forest April 11

Ricky Tims is coming to the Mount Forest Recreation Complex on Saturday to present several seminars and a musical  concert. His had-dyed fabric is 'delicious.' I am looking forward to learning about ' scribble appliqué and  an opportunity to see view his modern quilts. Should be fun!!!

Mini-Lotus Table Topper

Judy Martin from Quilter's Nine Patch will demonstrate a new ruler called, 'Mini-Hex'n more ruler. ' Participants will make a Mini-Lotus table topper. Sure beats the way grandma used to do it!!!
Sign up Thursday, May 28th .The course is offered from 1:00 to 3:00 at the St. Jacobs Mennonite Church ( Library.)All you have to do is pay the admission fee of $25.00 and bring 'the bod' in to learn and enjoy.

Fibre Art Course

Judy Gasho-Jutzi, Textile Artist is returning to teach another  course in 3D Fibre Art Landscapes. Participants love this course. The finished piece is ready to be framed. It is amazing what Judy can accomplish in 90 minutes.
Contact Judy Martin to register-519-669-9511 or e-mail   quiltersninepatch@gmail.com

Real Deal

Today  I visited the quilting bee in the Mill. It was a delightful experience to observe Salome and several of her friends quilting the St. Jacobs Quilt Block Challenge Quilt for 2015. The tiny stitches pulled to perfection made such an impact on the fabric. The quilt had been rolled several times..only the centre portion was left to complete. Salome was quilting the outline of several maple leaves on the border.....which should really make a statement. Naturally the ladies are interested in knowing how high the auctioneer can raise the bid at the annual Mennonite Relief Sale held Saturday, May 30th. This quilt will be hung at the Schoolhouse Theatre the week of the Quilt Festival.

Register Soon!

Register for a quilt course by phoning 519 - 669 - 9511 or visit Quilter's Nine Patch in Elmira.
Make a wool felt bowl with Sue Firkser May 27th from10:00 to 12:00 or
make a wool felting scarf May 28 from 10:00 to 12:00. These items are absolutely beautiful. To truly understand what you are going to make ....visit Silo Weavers at the Village Silos..Elsa has several  wool felting bowls and scarves made by Sue. Each course costs $25.00.

Festival Courses

A Folded Star Table Topper  course will be taught by Rosemary Terpstra, Tuesday May 26  from 10:00 -12:00 and a second course 1:00 - 3:00. Rosemary's examples showcase the

 four seasons. The course costs $25.00. The kit contains all the fabric required. The star makes a great Christmas gift. Sewing machines will be provided.

Canada- What it means to me!

Canada-What it means to me! was the quilt block challenge. Participants were given a small piece of fabric containing a flag. Several people submitted a block. Salome described her work in progress as she placed the blocks and decided on sashing. Some blocks had funny stories. This quilt will be hand quilted at the St. Jacobs Mill Tuesday March 17, Wednesday March 18 and Thursday March 19. It will certainly be a conversation piece at The Quilt Festival half at the Schoolhouse Theatre the last week of May. Please visit!!

Rocking!!!

The St. Jacobs Mennonite Quilt Show, held the last week of May is going to rock! 'Trees for Woolwich' quilt  was designed and quilted by local quilters. The  colourful blocks feature modern as well as traditional designs. Don't miss the opportunity to view two locally made quilts- Celebrate the Flag and The Trees of Woolwich Township. Both quilts have great stories.

Quilting Bee

A Quilting Bee will be held at The Village Silos,' in St. Jacobs from March 17-19. Blocks have been pieced to represent the theme: 'Canada- What does it mean to me?' Each block contains a piece of the Maple Leaf Flag challenge fabric. Friends of Salome have volunteered their time to quilt. The quilt will be displayed at the St. Jacobs Schoolhouse during the Quilt Shows, May 26-29.  Visit the New Hamburg Relief Sale, May 30th to see this quilt sold. Please come visit the Bee.

Mystery Bus Trip

A Mystery Tour is scheduled for Tuesday May 26th. Ayr Coach Lines (complete with washrooms) will leave the parking lot of the St. Jacobs Mennonite Church at 10:00 am and return by 4:00 pm. Guests will experience local culture, scenery, a delicious home cooked meal and a quilt shop. Phone Salome 519 - 664 - 2060 to reserve a ticket. I experienced the last mystery tour and loved it!!! Don't miss this unique opportunity.

Canadian Tour 2015

Ricky Tims a celebrated quilter from the USA is coming to Mount Forest Saturday, April 11, 2015.
He will be teaching three seminars- Convergence Quilts, Kool Kaleidoscope Quilts and Rhapsody Quilts. His tour is sponsored by Bernina/Canada.For tickets , phone Creekbank Sewing- 519-323-2693. How lucky to have Ricky sharing his talents in  our community.

Quilt Block 2015

In honour of the 50th anniversary of the Canadian flag, the quilt block challenge for 2015 features maple leaf fabric. The theme- Canada- What it means to me...
The blocks may be purchased for $2.00 at Quilter's Nine Patch/Elmira or Quilt Essentials/St. Jacobs.
The blocks must be returned by February 20th. Quilters...it is time to get creative

. The quilt will be displayed at The St. Jacobs Schoolhouse during the week of the Quilt Shows.

www.stjacobs.ca

Information for the 2015 St. Jacobs Quilt Shows is on the website www.stjacobs.ca. Check out all the exciting events that will happen this spring. Mark your calendar May 26th to May 30th.