Back Home Again

One of the fun things we do at Bear Patch is our monthly groups, clubs, classes, support groups or whatever you want to call them! These groups offer us a chance to come together repeatedly and come to know each other much better. As we work on a common theme, we also learn a lot from each other. Our block of the month group for 2009 has concluded, and last week we saw the work of several go-getters who had managed to put all the pieces together. Group members had the option to use the pattern and fabric collection by designer Kaye England. Each month 2 versions of the same block were constructed, one 12" and one 6". But as you can see, there was room for individuality:

This quilter followed the pattern as written.

This quilter used the same red/pink fabric around each block, on each side of the floral strips, and in the narrow border.

This quilter used an entirely different set of fabrics, chosen to coordinate with her home. Instead of the floral strips she used a strip of the border fabric with inset squares. This helped her tie all the colors together.

This quilter used the featured fabrics but a setting of her own design, changing the size and overall look even though the blocks are all the same.

There were several more variations, but I included these to bring home the point that even though we all started out in sync, we all chose our own path to the end, and that is the joy of life! Our group is taking a hiatus until the new year and I'm working out a plan for something new for 2010. Stay tuned!

Fresh Fabric

We are loving these bright and colorful fabrics from Westminster/Rowan. I have to admit that when I started quilting (back in the dark ages) I completely bypassed anything looking like this. But times have changes and so have I! The fabrics have improved immensely, both in quality and style, with wonderful designers bringing art to my work. Sometimes I sense that customers are unsure of how they would incorporate the color and scale of some of these fabrics into a traditional quilt design. Let me tell you that it is, indeed, possible to cut them up into small pieces or just use them in big chunks. Both looks can turn into an amazing design when it is all put together. Just give it a try! We will be happy to help you select the best pattern and fabrics for your next work of art! We have recently received a large shipment of Kaffe and friends, so don't miss out while the shelves are full!

Looking for a good home...

We are surrounded by Christmas! Plenty of traditional:

and not so traditional:

Do stop in, I think I hear some fabric calling your name! Plenty of time to work on projects for yourself and others--look for our newsletter soon with some classes aimed at gifts to make without a huge time investment.

the unveiling!

We are preparing for one of our favorite events, getting ready for quilters from all over the state during the statewide shop hop starting Friday, July 31. We are cleaning, moving displays, arranging for food and beverages, ordering patterns, displaying new fabric, organizing prizes and freebies, and hanging our own exclusive quilt design! The Minnesota Mixer from Emmaline Design makes good use of every one of the 16 special fabrics from Windham Fabrics that are all about Minnesota. Patterns and kits are available by contacting the store. Stop by for a look at what we have been up to!

Grace learns to Sew and Cast!

I finally got to spend 24 hours at the cabin with my only grandaughter Grace (age 6) and her brother Brody (age 4). Grandpa Bob had both kids casting with their own fishing poles by the time I got there on Saturday. Brody is using the pole we had for his dad Andy when he was the same age. Grace is using the pink Barbie pole I picked up at a garage sale! Brody says he caught hundreds of fish (really only 2). Grace caught upwards of 24- most by herself. The highlight of the day was sitting at my sewing machine with her. We went over the buttons on the machine- How to sew a 1/4" seam allowance, sew in reverse etc. etc. She liked all the decorative stitches the best. Her first project was a travel size pillow case. She did just super. We can't wait to sew together again! I think she will become a great little seamstress!

We took a short ride from the cabin to a swamp full of dead trees. On top of the trees were all these large nests. Turns out this is a spot for Herons to nest. What a strange sight watching these birds fly to the top of the tree and land on their nest. Even stranger was that they were all standing up in their nests!

3 Sisters and Mom Annual Retreat

My 2 sisters- Nona and Desi- and mom -Carol-came to the cabin for our annual 3 Day retreat. We spend one day shopping and the rest of the time watching movies, giving ourselves mud masks and pedicures, and paddling around the lake. That's me on the left if you can't tell! I wait on them hand and foot- make them tea, yummy breakfasts and dinners with Desi making great appetizers and healthy beverages in the afternoon. The weather wasn't so great outside but we had a blast inside! Can't wait til next year!!

Summer Sew Camp for Kids

Summer classes are well under way! Jeanne has set up a series of Kid Sewing classes. We still have openings in some of them- stop in to see the samples. Aren't the pictures great?