Saturday, September 25, 2010

Creative Stiches & Crafting Alive Show - Calgary 2010

WOW! It's been years since I went to one! I think the last time I went was in 1998! Have quilting things/talents/supplies/tools/etc. changed! I took in a couple of classes -- some not so great due to sound quality issues and standing room only -- and then a couple that were absolutely fantastic! Starting over again with quilting, I feel like such an amateur. When I look at some of the creative art out there it amazes me! I can only hope that I can become as good as some of you out there (or I should say MOST of you!)

I have enjoyed reading the "quilting blogs" and finding new ideas. I often wonder and stare at some of the creations and say "WOW! I would have NEVER thought of those combinations!" It has been a wonderful journey that I hope will grow with me as I grow even older yet. So much of my "life" have revolved around my kids, then it was divorce, then it was SURVIVAL, and then finally a "settling down" where I can finally take a breath and say, "OK Margo, it's time for you and for what YOU want to do!"

Ok, ok, I digress -- the show! I didn't find anything really "new", but did check out some of the sewing machines. I found the Bernina dealers were very busy talking to their friends rather than "selling". The Husqvarna Viking reps were amazing and took the time to explain, demo and allow me the time that I needed to ask my questions. Throughout the whole show, I would say they were most personable, customer friendly and were willing to go the extra step for a sale. The other reps (Janome, Bernina) were not so willing. As I have been looking for a machine, I'm thinking the Husqvarna is in the running.

Longarm quilters were there as well. Matt Sparrow -- thanks for information. You took the time to talk to me rather than ignore me like your counterparts. The Tin Lizzie ladies were great as well and took the time to give me their feedback on why they liked their machine. I know the differences between the two machines are huge, but at least I have a starting point of the things to look for when I'm ready to set up for myself. For now, I'll be taking my larger items to my longarm quilter. I have been to the trade shows with Chef, so I do know that sales are number one and seeking out the sales can be a challenge. To be fair, some of those stores that didn't seem to care, I walked by on more than one occasion, lingered a bit fingering the fabrics and also smiling and saying "hello". I work in a business where customer service is very high on the list for return sales -- so with that, I know which quilting shops I would rather spend my dollar at and will drive the extra miles to go past your store to the one that valued me as a customer.

I came home with yet MORE fabric for my stash and some great little items that you can see! I can barely wait to break them all in! I have a list of quilt shops that will have my business from now on and have met some wonderful people. Will I go again next year? You bet -- with the Chef in tow!

Have a great day everyone!
I think I'm going to go hide in my studio!

Margo

Monday, September 20, 2010

Sewing Hiatus...

JUST when the going gets good... I have to get 3 stitches in my finger..right on the joint! Makes holding fabric a major pain! Started a new handpiecing project that I'm excited about! I'll be able to take it along with me.

Happy Quilting everyone!

Monday, September 13, 2010

Today I attempted some more squares for my daughter. Instead, I cut more fabric and set aside 5" charm squares for a future quilt for the other daughter. I figure since I'm cutting fabric for one, I might as well cut fabric for another. Patiently piecing points together, my hands started cramping. Too much computer work today and getting older doesn't help much either! Not that I'm old, but I am certainly starting to feel all those creaky bones and muscles when it's rotten outside! WAIT! Chocolate will help right?

Hope you all had a wonderful day! If you have opinions on sewing machines and what else to look for, I would love to hear your thoughts!

Cheers!

Sunday, September 12, 2010

Sunday, September 12, 2010

A year has gone by along with my best intentions of writing on a regular basis!

Work has been busy, but my studio has been taking amazing shape!
After researching blogs, websites, library books and ideas of all sorts, I have a functional "space" that is amazing. I have loaded the photo's of the new space. I love spending time in there when I can! Unfortunately my camera is not behaving, so my apologies for the colors! Picture LIME GREEN toned down a couple of notches!

Chef wasn't too excited about the color, but I think it's been growing on him! We went out and got a nice leather chair for him to sink into when he feels like keeping me company for a spell.

I've become a "Grandma" since my very first post and have figured out how to "Skype" while sewing! Technology -- what an amazing thing.

Speaking of technology...I went to my favorite quilt shop, My Sewing Room, and was browsing through all the newest of gadgets and of course sewing machines! My sewing machine is a Singer that I got when the kids were small. It has been great over the years and has sewn endless Halloween costumes, PJ's that Santa left under the tree, patching ripped knees and the like. Now that I'm back in the quilting saddle so to speak, I'm realizing how "nice" certain things would be. How wonderful to have the needle stop in your sewing. What would it be like to have the presser foot lift with a separate knee control when my hands are holding those little pieces in place? The wish list has started, as has my little "sewing machine fund" for the one day that I can upgrade what I have.

Meantime, I keep reading the blogs, searching the websites and learning as much as I can about this wonderful art!

Have a great one all!
Margo